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EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE  and  FINANCE  COMMITTEE 

OF  THE 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL  OF  READING, 


1Z48— 1898 

HISTORY 

—OF— 


READING 

PENNSYLVANIA 


And  the  Anniversary  Proceedings  of  the 


Sesqui-  Centennial 

JUNE  5-12,  1898 


COMPILED  BY 

MORTON  L.  MONTGOMERY 

FOR  THE 

• EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 


READING,  PA. 


TIMES  BOOK  PRINT 
1898 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1898,  by 
Morton  L.  Montgomery, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


CHARLES  F.  HELLER,  BOOK  BINDER. 


PREFACE. 


1149124 

THE  Committee  on  History,  appointed  by  the  Executive 
Committee  of  the  Sesqui-Centennial  Anniversary  of 
Reading  for  the  compilation  of  a concise  history,  together  with 
a brief  sketch  of  all  the  industries  of  the  place  and  of  the  pro- 
ceedings relating  to  the  Anniversary,  submit  this  volume  as  the 
result  of  their  labors,  after  having  given  it  their  patient  attention 
for  more  than  six  months.  The  undertaking  was  both  difficult 
and  laborious,  and  the  reader  will  doubtless  appreciate  this  as- 
sertion upon  noting  the  numerous  details  and  statistics  in  the 
r several  chapters  of  the  volume.  All  the  particulars  had  to  be 
collected  and  systematically  arranged  by  the  compiler  and  sub- 
mitted by  him*to  the  Committee,  and  in  doing  so  much  persis- 
tent inquiry  was  necessary.  They  can  not  hope  to  have  pub- 
v-j  lished  with  absolute  correctness  so  many  pages  as  this  volume 
contains,  embracing  such  a large  collection  of  names,  details 
and  statistics,  but  they  did  the  best  they  could  under  all  the 
v trying  circumstances  and  they  would  ask  the  public  to  measure 
criticism  accordingly. 

Most  of  the  manufacturers  replied  cheerfully  to  the  circular 
issued  for  supplying  data  for  the  chapter  relating  to  the  indus- 
tries, and  the  remaining  facts,  wherever  obtainable,  were 
gathered  from  other  sources.  They  had  expected  to  present  a 
statement,  showing  the  total  employees,  wages,  investment  and 
production  of  Reading  in  1897,  in  order  to  give  the  public  a 
satisfactory  idea  of  its  extensive  business  relations,  but  they 
found  this  impracticable,  and  therefore  that  part  of  the  under- 
taking had  to  be  abandoned.  However,  sufficient  information 
is  published  in  the  volume  to  indicate  that  Reading  is  indeed  a 
great  manufacturing  centre,  and  that  its  productions  have  come 
to  be  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  civilized  world;  and  it  is  made 
apparent  that  this  industrial  situation  has  been  the  great  means 
which  effected  the  remarkable  development  of  the  place. 


4 


PREFACE. 


There  are  over  five  hundred  shops,  factories,  foundries  and 
works  at  Reading  which  produce  over  two  hundred  kinds  of 
articles  varying  in  size  and  weight  from  a clip,  a small  fastening 
for  a spectacle  lens,  to  an  enormous  cotton  press,  and  of  these 
over  three  hundred  are  briefly  described  as  to  character  and 
ownership.  It  is  a matter  for  general  congratulation  that  the 
direction  of  local  enterprises  by  business  men  and  capitalists  has 
resulted  in  establishing  industries  so  greatly  diversified  in 
character,  and  the  wisdom  of  this  course  has  been  fully  demon- 
strated by  the  prosperous  condition  of  affairs  here  during  the 
past  several  years  in  spite  of  the  trying  times  and  the  discourag- 
ing state  of  trade  elsewhere. 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  this  is  the  first  attempt  at  present- 
ing in  a convenient  form  concise  sketches  and  tabulated  state- 
ments of  the  several  industries  of  Reading  in  connection  with 
its  general  history,  and  on  this  account  the  volume  will  be 
found  of  great  value.  The  purpose  of  the  Committee  having 
been  to  supply  the  community  with  a complete  and  comprehen- 
sive book  containing  all  the  important  facts  relating  to  the 
founding  and  development  of  Reading,  to  the  industrial  estab- 
lishments which  brought  about  that  development,  and  to  the 
proceedings  of  the  Anniversary,  they  are  now  pleased  to  say 
that  this  purpose  has  been  successfully  accomplished. 

The  compiler,  Morton  L.  Montgomery,  Esq.,  who  was 
recommended  by  the  Committee  on  Statistics  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  appointed  by  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Sesqui-Centennial,  spared  no  efforts  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  to  make  this  publication  a valuable  souvenir  of  the  extra- 
ordinary occasion.  The  Committee  on  History  are  highly 
gratified  at  the  result  of  his  labors.  They  express  the  belief 
that  all  persons,  who  are  interested  in  the  local  affairs  of  Read- 
ing, will  be  equally  gratified  after  having  become  acquainted 
with  the  contents  of  the  volume,  and  they  will  doubtless  unite 
with  the  Committee  in  saying  that  the  publication  reflects  not 
only  the  ability  and  industry  of  the  compiler,  but  the  public 
spirit  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  also  the  liberality  and 
appreciation  of  the  people  in  behalf  of  the  Anniversary. 

Calvin  K.  Whitner, 
Chairman  of  Committee  on  History. 


Reading,  July  8,  1898. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.— HISTORY  OF  READING. 

Part  I— Town,  Borough  and  City. 

Town,  1748-1783: — First  Occupants — Grant  to  Penn— First  Patents 
— Town  Laid  Out— Lots  Sold — County  Seat — County  Erected — 
Taxables  of  1759— Town  District  Established — First  Store — Public  - 
Buildings — Oldest  Buildings — Educational  Affairs — Nationality  of 
Inhabitants — French  and  Indian  War— Revolution — Nagle’s  Com- 
pany at  Cambridge— Store-House  for  Supplies — Prominent  Men.  9 

Borough,  1783-1847: — Borough  Erected — Surrounding  Towns — 
Stage  Coach — Bridges— Public  Buildings — Turnpikes — Canals — 
Railroad — Banks— Panic  of  1837 — Industrial  Affairs— Water  Com- 
pany— Lighting — Fire  Companies — Newspapers — Churches  and 
Schools — Street  Names — Early  Exhibitions — Distinguished  Visi- 
tors— Liberty  Poles  of  1799 — English  War — Mexican  War  ....  18 

City,  1847-1897: — Review  of  Reading  in  1847 — Development  of 
City  by  Decades  from  1847  to  1897,  mentioning  the  most  important 
matters  that  occurred  in  the  progress  of  Reading  for  fifty  years — 
Civil  War  27 


Part  II— Internal  Improvements. 

Public  Structures: — Court  House — Market  Houses — County 
Prison — State  House — Water  Works — Public  Roads — Streets — Lo- 
cation of  City— Sewers — Ferries  and  Bridges — Schuylkill  River — 
Freshets — Fire.  Company  Buildings — City  Hall — Public  Parks — 
Post  Office— Cemeteries 34 

Private  Enterprises  of  a Public  Nature: — Turnpikes — Stage- 
Coaches — Canals — Steam  Railroads — Street  Railways — Mountain 
Railroads — Telegraph — Telephone — Gas  Light — Electric  Light 


and  Power — Halls — Private  Market  Houses. 44 

Part  III— Churches,  Schools  and  Newspapers. 

Churches — Schools— Early  Education — Common  School  System — 
Private  Schools — Newspapers  and  Periodicals 53 


6 CONTENTS. 

Part  IV — Associations. 

Military — Protective— Secret — Financial — Industrial— Literary — Pro- 
fessional-Musical, vocal  and  instrumental — Charitable — Re- 
ligious   60 

Part  V — Government. 

Town,  Borough  and  City — Wards— Officials  for  the  City;  for  the 
Wards;  for  the  Precincts — Board  of  Water  Commissioners — 
Board  of  Health— Board  of  Common  Commissioners — Board  of 
Public  Works — List  of  Burgesses  and  Mayors — State  Representa- 
tives from  City 81 


Part  VI— Census. 

(jet z Enumeration  of  1847— Levan  Enumeration  of  1877— Compara- 
tive Statistics  1856,  1885,  1897 — Assessment  for  1898- Dwellings 
1898 — Census,  1790  to  1898 — Mayor’s  Enumeration  of  1898— Com- 
parative Statement  of  1898 — Population  north  and  south  of  Penn 
street — Colored  Population 87 


CHAPTER  II— INDUSTRIES. 

Part  I — Early  Employments. 

Employments  before  1783— Industrial  Character— Early  Traffic — 
Ware-house  in  1826— Reading  in  1840 — Employments,  Manufac- 
tories, Public  Buildings  and  Enterprises 91 

Part  II  — Development  of  Reading. 

Status,  1783-1847— Status,  1847-1897— Surviving  Business  Men  of 
1847— Cause  °f  Development 95 

Part  III — Industrial  Establishments. 

Table  of  Industries,  1898— Description  of  Industries,  treating  the 
several  kinds  alphabetically 100 

Part  IV— Situation  of  Reading  in  1898 

Important  Improvements  of  a public  and  private  nature  described 
briefly — Table  of  miscellaneous  employments  arranged  alphabeti- 
cally   208 


CHAPTER  III— SESQUI-CENTENNIAL. 

Part  I— Action  of  Board  of  Trade. 

Celebration  of  Sesqui-Centennial  of  Reading  proposed  and  adopted, 
and  Committee  selected  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements  . . 217 


CONTENTS.  7 

Part  II —Proceedings  of  Executive  Committee. 

Executive  Committee — Committees  appointed— History  of  Reading 
authorized — Work  of  Committees— Official  Design — Official  Pro- 
gram   218 

Part  III — Anniversary  Proceedings. 

Religious  Services  and  Sacred  Concerts— Civic  Parade — Signal 
Corps — Fireworks — School  Parade— Preparation  for  Parade — 
Prize  Flag— Illumination  and  Concert — Sesqui-Centennial  Hymn 
— Firemen’s  Parade — Fire  on  Penn  Square — Waynesboro  Delega- 
tion— Industrial  Parade — Cavalcade  and  Corso  Parade — Bicycle 
Races — Bicycle  Parade — Regatta  and  Serenata— Distinguished 
Visitors  Entertained  - Escutcheon  and  Flag — Reading  Artillerists 
in  Camp— Greetings  from  Reading,  England — Report  of  Finance 
Committee  . . 231 

Part  IV— Board  of  Trade  and  Reading  Officials. 

Board  of  Trade,  Officers,  Committees  and  Members — Officials  of 
Reading,  elective  and  appointive,  including  all  departments — 
School  Board,  Officers  and  Controllers — Post  Office  Officials  and 
Employees . 284 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Acme  Ricycie  Works 108 

Adler  Building 57 

Bingaman  Street  Bridge  ...  42 

Board  of  Trade  Building  . . 69 

Boys’  High  School 56 

Branch  Bank  Building  ...  67 


Brewery  of  P.  Barbey  & Son  117 
Cavalcade  and  Corso,  View  of,  265 
Charles  Evans  Cemetery  En- 
trance   44 

City  Hall 84 

Civic  Parade,  View  of,  ...  233 
Consumers’  Gas  Co.  Plant  . . 152 
County  Prison  1770-1848  . . 36 

County  Prison  1848^-1898  . . 36 

Court  House  1762-1840  ...  35 

Court  House  1840-1898  ...  35 

Dibert  Cigar  Factory  ....  132 
Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart’s 

Store  144 

Early  Roads  from  Reading  . 38 

Executive  Committee,  Por- 
traits of, Frontispiece 

Federal  Inn _ . 15 

Firemen’s  Parade,  View  of,  . 254 
Fire  on  Penn  Square,  View  of,  257 
First  Patents,  Draft  of,  ...  10 

First  Public  School  House  . . 56 

First  School  House  at  Reading  54 
First  Store  at  Reading  ....  14 

Girls’  High  School 56 

Heller’s  Book  Bindery  . . . 112 
Homoeopathic  Hospital  ...  78 

Industrial  Parade,  View  of.  . 258 
Leinbach  & Bro.  Building  . . 136 
Masonic  Temple  . . . . 63 

McKnight,  Capt.  James,  Por- 
trait of, 33 


Metropolitan  Elec.  Co.  Plant  148 
Montello  Clay  & Brick  Works  121 
Mould,  J.,  & Co.,  Store,  . . . 147 
Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works  ...  174 

Mt.  Penn  Tower 48 

National  Brass  and  Iron 

Works 1 15 

Official  Design  for  Envelopes  228 
Penn  Hardware  Works  ...  167 

Penn  Street  Bridge 41 

Penna  Sch.  Val.  R.  R.  Station  46 
Penna  Telephone  Building  . 50 

Post  Office  Building  ...  .43 

P.  & R.  R.  Union  Station  . . 162 

Reading  Academy,  1838-1853  55 
Reading  and  Vicinity,  Map  of, 

Rear  of  Book 

Reading  Cold  Storage  Plant  137 
Reading  Eagle  Building  ...  58 

Reading  Hardware  Works  . . 165 

Reading  Hospital 76 

Reading  Knitting  Mills  . . . 140 

Reading  Library 70 

Reading  Standard  Mf’g  Co.  . 109 
Reading  Stove  Works  ....  172 
Reservoir,  View  of,  looking 

North, 39 

Reservoir,  View  of,  looking 

South,  . 39 

Schofer,  Henry,  Bakery,  , . 104 
School  Parade,  View  of,  . . . 240 
Soldiers’  Monument  ....  65 

State  House — County  Offi- 
ces   37 

Steam  Fire  Engine 61 

Times  and  Journal  Building  . 58 

Town  Plan,  1748 11 

Whitner,  C.  K.,  & Co.,  Store,  146 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PART  I. — TOWN  1748  TO  1783. 

First  Occupants. — The  Indians  were  the  first  occupants  of 
this  territory.  They  were  called  the  Minsi , who  constituted 
one  of  the  tribes  of  the  nation  which  was  known  as  the  Lenni 
Lenape.  It  is  not  known  that  other  occupants  preceded  them, 
for  no  evidences  of  any  kind  have  been  found  to  prove  a pre- 
vious possession.  When  they  first  migrated  here,  has  not  been 
ascertained.  It  is  supposed  they  came  here  from  the  North 
and  West. 

Grant  to  Penn. — The  English  came  to  own  the  territory  by 
conquest  from  the  Dutch  in  1664,  and  Kihg  Charles  II  in  1681 
granted  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania  to  William  Penn  in  satis- 
faction of  a debt  due  to  his  deceased  father  Admiral  Penn  for 
meritorious  services.  Notwithstanding  this  grant,  William 
Penn  recognized  the  claim  of  the  Indians  to  the  land,  and  there- 
fore obtained  their  release.  He  died  in  1718,  possessed  of  this 
section,  and  devised  it  to  his  children. 

First  Patents. — In  the  general  desire  to  dispose  of  lands  in 
this  section,  the  Penns  directed  surveys  to  be  made  and  patents 
issued,  which  will  appear  by  the  following  statement: 

1.  Richard  Hockley,  tract  for  1150  acres;  survey,  February  19,  1733. 

2.  Thomas  Lawrence,  tract  for  300  acres  ; survey,  March  19,  1733  ; 
patent,  October  27,  1733. 

3.  Thomas  Lawrence,  tract  for  137  acres  ; survey,  April  22,  1738 ; 
patent,  February  16,  1739. 

4.  Samuel  Finney,  tract  for  150  acres  ; survey,  February  19,  1733. 

5.  Proprietary  land,  tract  for  126  acres  ; survey,  July  3,  1741. 

6.  Part  of  tract  1 ; on  which  lots  were  laid  out,  afterward  called 
“Hockley  Out-lots.” 

The  tract  for  1150  acres  adjoined  the  river  and  extended 
from  a line  now  occupied  by  Hockley  and  Woodward  streets  to 


IO 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


a line  beyond  the  Charles  Evans  Cemetery,  occupied  by  what 
was  known  for  many  years  as  Hiester’s  Lane. 

Some  years  after  these  patents  had  issued,  about  1740, 

while  efforts  were  being-  made  to 
erect  a county,  (Berks)  the 
Penns  conceived  the  idea  of 
laying  out  a town  at  this  point, 
but  finding  that  the  land  had 
been  sold,  they  endeavored  to 
re-purchase  it.  Lawrence,  how- 
ever, declined  to  re-sell  his  two 
tracts.  Their  agent  then  inves- 
tigated the  matter,  and  on  Sep- 
tember 28,  1743,  addressed  a 
letter  to  them  in  reference  to  the 
proposed  “Town  of  Reading.  ” 
This  is  the  first  mention  of  a 
town  at  this  place.  In  1745, 
lots  were  laid  out  on  part  6,  and 
this  action  induced  Lawrence  to 

» DRAFT  OF  first  patents.  re-convey  his  tracts. 

Town  Laid  Out. — During  the  Fall  of  1748,  Penn’s  two 
sons,  Thomas  and  Richard,  caused  a town  to  be  laid  out  by 
Nicholas  Scull,  their  surveyor  general,  on  the  land  adjoining 
the  Schuylkill,  (Lawrence  tract,)  at  the  “Ford,”  in  the  road 
that  extended  from  the  Tulpehocken|  settlements  to  Philadel- 
phia. It  was  named  Reading,  after  the  county  town  in 
Berkshire,  England. 

The  town  plan  comprised  520  lots,  and  204  out-lots,  num- 
bered consecutively.  The  lots  between  the  river  and  King 
(3rd)  street  were  laid  out  in  1776.  The  double  line  through 
these  lots,  on  the  accompanying  plan,  indicates  the  canal  which 
extended  through  that  section  of  the  town  from  1822  to  1834. 

At  that  time  there  was  not  a town,  not  even  a village  in  all 
the  surrounding  territory  for  many  miles.  The  nearest  town 
was  Lebanon,  28  miles  to  the  west,  which  had  been  laid  out  in 
1740  ; and  the  next  was  Lancaster,  33  miles  to  the  southwest, 
which  had  been  laid  out  in  1728. 

Lots  Sold. — Penn’s  sons  then  appointed  Conrad  Weiser, 
Francis  Parvin  and  William  Hartley  as  commissioners  to  sell 


TOWN  PLAN. 


1 1 


Iflll  |2|22£SjSS5|  r 


the  lots,  and  on  June  15,  1749,  they  sold  a large  number  of 
them.  In  1751,  1752,  1753  and  1754  patents  were  issued  for 
241  lots,  and  if  the  con- 
ditions of  sale  were 
complied  with,  there 
were  in  the  town  by  the 
year  1755,  at  least  200 
dwellings  and  1000  in- 
habitants. 

County  Seat. — By  a 
petition,  presented  to 
the  Assembly  at  Phila- 
delphia on  February  4, 

1752,  in  behalf  of  the 
erection  ol  a new  county 
(Berks),  it  appears  that 
Reading  then  contained 
130  dwelling  houses,  be- 
sides 41  stables  and 
other  out-houses  ; 160 
families  which  consisted 
of  378  persons.  It  is 
known  that  there  were 
three  churches  in  the 
town  at  that  time,  Luth- 
eran, Reformed  and 
Friends,  all  erected  in 
1751- 

County  Erected.  — 

While  the  lots  were  be- 
ing sold  and  houses 
erected,  and  the  town 
was  forming,  earnest 
and  successful  steps 
were  taken  to  establish 
a county  with  Reading 
as  the  county  seat,  and 
an  Act  was  passed  by 
the  Assembly  at  Phila- 
delphia on  March  11,  1752 


* PA 

To  v** , Vv«t*' 


Z7 1= 


TOWN  PLAN — 1748. 

erecting  Berks  county. 


At  that 


12 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


time  there  were  six  other  counties  in  Pennsylvania,  and  in  Berks 
county  there  were  twenty  townships,  twelve  east  of  the 
Schuylkill  with  Philadelphia  as  the  county  seat,  and  eight  west 
with  Lancaster  as  the  county  seat.  The  population  was  about 
12,000  as  near  as  it  can  be  estimated,  which  was  located  almost 
entirely  south  of  the  Blue  mountains.  The  early  settlers  were 
Swedes,  Germans,  English  and  Welsh  ; the  first  named  being 
situated  in  Amity  township  (south-eastern  section),  the  second 
in  all  parts  of  the  county  excepting  Robeson  and  Caernarvon, 
the  third  in  Oley,  Exeter,  Maidencreek  and  Richmond  (in  the 
central  section),  and  the  last  in  Brecknock,  Caernarvon,  Cumru 
and  Robeson  (southern  section.) 

Taxables  of  1759. — In  1759,  there  were  269  taxables  in  Read- 
ing, whose  names  were  as  follows  : 


Benezet,  Daniel 
Bright,  Michael 
Bird,  William 
Biddle,  James 
Bishoff,  John 
Bucher,  Jacob 
Bernhisel,  John 
Barret,  Joseph 
Burkhardt,  Jacob 
Buckman,  Matthias 
Boyer,  Christopher 
Becktold,  John 
Baum,  Peter 
Bernhard.  George 
Balde,  Jacob 
Brendlinger,  Joseph 
Bower,  Conrad 
Brosius,  Abraham 
Brown  Conrad 
Bridenbach,  Philip 
Creek,  Francis 
Cluse,  William 
Dalman,  William 
Daum,  George 
Diehm,  Jacob 
Diehm,  Adam 
Dick,  Jacob 
Degenhardt,  Henry 
Drury,  Edward 
Diehm,  Peter 


Diehm,  Thomas 
Dehaven,  Edward 
Debler,  Melchior 
Dorff,  Samuel 
Depoy,  Widow 
Deible,  George 
Dengler,  John 
Dorst,  Paul 
Dick,  Nicholas 
Diel,  George 
Evans,  Amos 
Engel,  Andrew 
Ege,  Adam 
Ermel,  William 
Early,  John 
Eissenbice,  John 
Ege,  Martin 
Eplar,  Adam 
Earman,  William 
Feather,  Peter 
Fisher,  Jacob 
Fox,  Adam 
Frick,  William 
Fix,  Lawrence 
Fass,  Adam 
Feagle,  Matthias 
Fricker,  Anthony 
Fichthorn,  Michael 
Fetter,  Michael 
Fisher,  Dorst 


Fichthorn,  Andrew 
Fasig,  Ph.  Jacob 
Geissler,  George 
Gibson,  Francis 
Garrett,  Henry 
Geiger,  John 
Geiger,  Adam 
Gross,  John 
Graff,  William 
Gerst,  Henry 
Gosler,  Henry, 
Gotschall,  Nicholas 
Haga,  Wolfgang 
Hause,  Peter 
Hottenstein,  William 
Henry,  John 
Hause,  Peter 
Henderson,  David 
Henig,  Balthaser 
Heiner,  Krafft 
Huth,  Samuel 
Holdzader,  Peter 
Hartman,  John 
Hollig,  Barbara 
Hugh,  Owen 
Hughes,  John 
Hiddings,  William 
Hauck,  Joseph 
Heinlein,  Matthias 
Haag,  Michael 


TAXABLES. 


I 


Heist,  George 
Hillegas,  Michael 
Heyman,  Moses 
Hahn,  Henry 
Hitner,  George 
Hausihl,  Michael 
Hetler,  Jacob 
Hart,  Philip 
Handshoe,  George 
Imler,  Lndwig 
Jack,  George 
Jacob,  John 
Jager,  Jacob 
Jung,  Martin 
Jung,  Isaac 
Jacobs,  Israel 
Joh,  George 
Kuhn,  Adam 
Koch,  William 
Kerper,  Abraham 
Kern,  Jacob 
Kline,  Peter 
Kiney,  Christian 
Kerper,  Julius 
Kendel,.  Catharine 
Klinger,  Philip 
Koch,  Adam 
Klinger,  Peter 
Koch,  Johannes 
Kerber,  Valentine 
Krimler,  Henry 
Kemrer,  Agath 
Klinder,  Conrad 
Klinger,  Alexander 
Keiser,  Jacob 
Keim,  Nicholas 
Kortz,  John 
Krauser,  Sebastian 
Krafft,  Martin 
Kost,  Martin 
Kurrer,  Adam  Daniel 
Kepner,  Joachim 
Lincoln,  Thomas 
Lesher,  John 
Lapler,  Lorentz 
Lebo,  Paul 
Levan,  Isaac 


Leibrook,  Jacob 
Lutz,  Jacob 
Lehman,  Christopher 
Loch,  Peter 
Meyerly,  David 
Martin,  Eberhard 
Moyer,  Jacob 
Morgan,  Francis 
Meng,  Melchior 
Morgan,  Jacob 
Marx,  William 
Messersmith,  Val’tine 
Miller,  Andreas 
Moritz,  Nicholas 
Meyer,  Matthias 
Miller,  Frederick 
Mauref,  Ernst 
Megly,  Jacob 
Meyerly,  Balthaser 
Mergen,  John 
Miller,  William 
Milleisen,  Christopher 
Marsteller,  Henry 
Marckle  Christian 
Neidly,  Nicholas 
Neidly,  Christopher 
Newhardt,  Conrad 
Nagle,  Simon 
Nagle,  Philip 
Parvin,  Francis 
Pearson,  Benjamin 
Philipi,  John 
Perlet,  Paul 
Perlet,  Prederick 
Price,  Evan 
Read,  James,  Esq 
Rush,  Michael 
Riehm,  Edward 
Reitmoyer,  Henry 
Rice,  Michael 
Reiffle,  Adam 
Reasor,  William 
Reiff,  Peter 
Rule,  Henry 
Rhine,  David 
Ruth,  Peter 
Riehm,  George 


Riehm,  John,  Sr 
Reiff,  Conrad 
Roreboust,  Bernhard 
Rabbold,  Jacob 
Rose,  Everhardt 
Reitmoyer,  Michael 
Reitner,  Joseph 
Reese,  Josiah 
Rapp,  Peter 
Rush,  Michael,  Jr. 
Rieser,  Jacob,  Jr. 
Sammet,  Christian 
Sweitzer,  John 
Smith,  Christopher 
Shomon,  Joseph 
Springer,  George 
Shrite,  John 
Spang,  Lenhart 
Shower,  Michael 
Schultz,  Samuel 
Smith,  Peter 
Seister,  Michael 
Snyder,  Jacob 
Stichter,  Conrad 
Stedman,  Alexander 
Shapport,  Nicholas 
Schultz,  George 
Sowerbry,  Widow 
Strohacker,  Gottlieb 
Smith,  Philip 
Shaaber,  Andrew 
Snider,  Henry 
Seiler,  Philip 
Shorp,  John 
Shop,  Gabriel 
Shreck,  David 
Spatz,  Lawrence 
Spatz,  Michael 
Sleagle,  Adam 
Sprincker,  Philip 
Senger,  Henry 
Sassamanhousen,  H. 
Seitzinger,  Nicholas 
Salsgaber,  Andreas 
Sump,  George 
Smith,  Abraham 
Suder,  Barbara 


14 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Smith,  Andrew 
Urledig,  Valentine 
Wolf,  Henry 
Weiser,  Peter 
Wenrick,  Francis 
Weis,  Philip 

Barger,  Thomas 
Hartley-  Richard 
Jackson,  Samuel 
Josephson,  Myer 
Kemrer,  Matthias 
Koch,  Michael 


Wagner,  Adam 
Whitehead,  James 
Wicks,  Christian 
Weiser,  Conrad 
Wirtenberger,  George 
Wunder,  George 

SINGLE  MEN. 

Lebo,  Isaac 
Lightfoot,  Benjamin 
May,  Thomas 
Nathan,  Lyon 
Pearson,  Elijah 
Popkin,  Robert 
Shegtley,  Michael 


Witman,  Adam 
Witman,  Ludwig 
Witman,  Christopher 
Wickersham,  Isaac 
Williamson,  James 
Witman,  John 
Zinn,  Frederick 

Sheirer,  Adam 
Spindler,  Lorentz 
Sowermilk,  John 
Starr,  James 
Weiser,  Samuel 
Witman,  Henry 


Town  District  Established. — In  1760,  the  town  and  part  of 
the  township  adioining  (Alsace)  were  erected  into  a district, 
called  the  ‘ ‘Township  and  District  of  Reading.  ” The  bound- 
ary lines  were  fixed  by  the  Court  in  1761.  They  enclosed  about 
950  acres 


First  Store. — The  first  business  place  was  the  store  of  Conrad 
Weiser  on  Penn  street  above  Fifth.  He  purchased  the  lot 
(No.  3)  in  1749,  and  obtained  a patent  in  1751.  Under  the 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


15 


conditions  of  sale,  he  doubtless  erected  a two-story  stone  build- 
ing on  it  in  1750.  He  carried  on  business  intercourse  therewith 
the  Indians,  and  on  this  account  the  stand  was  given  particular 
prominence.  In  1769,  Nicholas  Keim  became  the  owner.  The 
Keims  occupied  it  as  a general  hardware  store  for  seventy  years. 
Then  the  Stichters  began,  and  they  have  been  there  since,  now 
nearly  sixty  years. 

Public  Buildings. — A court  house  was  erected  in  1762;  a 
market  house  in  1766;  and  a county  jail  in  1770;  and  in  1773, 
a fire  company  was  organized,  called  the  “Rainbow,”  which 
has  maintained  a successful  existence  until  now. 


Oldest  Buildings. — Three  old  buildings,  which  were  erected 
in  this  period  of  Reading,  are  still  standing:  two  stories  of  the 
large  hotel  on  northwest  corner  of  Fifth  and  Washington  streets, 
erected  by  Michael  Bright  for  a tavern  in  1760;  two-story  stone 
building  omnorthwest  corner  of  Penn  square,  below  Fifth  street, 
erected  in  1763,  by  Adam  Witman  for  a tavern,  (Federal  Inn) 
and  occupied  by  the  Farmers’  Bank  since  1814;  and  two  story 
stone  building  on  northeast  corner  Fifth  and  Washington  streets 
erected  by  county  commissioners  in  1770,  and  occupied  as  a 
county  jail  until  1848. 

Educational  Affairs. — -Three  churches  were  established  dur- 
ing this  period,  being  by  the  Friends,  Lutheran  and  Reformed. 


i6 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


The  Protestant  Episcopal  and  Roman  Catholic  had  no  churches, 
but  held  religious  services  in  the  homes  of  certain  members. 
Secular  education  was  carried  on  in  schools  which  were  con- 
nected with  the  churches  and  also  in  several  private  schools. 
The  pupils  paid  their  teachers  several  cents  a day.  The  Friends1 
school  at  Washington  and  Wood  (Madison)  streets  was  con- 
ducted for  English  education,  the  other  schools  were  mostly  for 
German  education.  There  were  no  newspapers  published  at 
Reading  then.  The  Pennsylvania  Gazette  and  Sauer' s Journal 
had  a very  limited  circulation. 

Nationality  of  Inhabitants  .—The  first  inhabitants  of  Reading 
were  mostly  Germans.  There  were  some  English,  and  men  of 
this  nationality  served  as  county  officers  through  the  influence 
and  direction  of  the  Penns  until  the  Revolution  ; then  men  of 
the  German  nationality  came  to  fill  them  and  they  have  almost 
entirely  continued  to  do  so  until  now.  . This  change  was  brought 
about  by  the  determined  action  of  the  Germans  in  behalf  of  in- 
dependence and  representative  government,  the  English  having 
favored  the  British  government  and  discouraged  the  Revolution, 
on  which  account  they  were  called  “Tories.” 

French  and  Indian  War. — The  French  and  Indian  War 
affected  Reading  more  or  less  from  1755  to  1762.  The  inhabi- 
tants were  excited  and  frequently  alarmed  for  their  safety  during 
1 755 , 1756  and  1757.  But  the  Indians  in  their  incursions  never 
reached  Reading.  They  confined  their  stealthy  attacks  and 
barbarous  cruelties  to  the  settlements  along  the  Blue  mountains. 

The  prominent  men 
from  Reading  who  were 
actively  engaged  in  de- 
fensive operations  were 
Conrad  Weiser,  Edward 
Biddle  and  George  Nagel.  In  1756,  a company  of  grenadiers 
was  stationed  here  for  a time;  also  a company  commanded  by 
Conrad  Weiser,  consisting  of  2 sergeants  and  28  privates.  A 
number  of  interesting  letters  were  sent  from  Reading  during 
these  years,  describing  the  dangerous  situation  of  affairs.  No 
person  from  Reading  was  killed. 

Revolution. — The  first  public  action  at  Reading  in  behalf  of 
the  Revolution  was  taken  with  much  spirit  on  July  2,  1774,  and 


REVOLUTION. 


17 


from  that  time  until  the  declaration  of  peace  in  1783,  the  resi- 
dents displayed  remarkable  zeal  for  political  independence  and 
representative  government.  On  the  day  named,  a public  meet- 
ing was  held  in  the  court  house,  and  appropriate  resolutions 
were  adopted,  expressing  sympathy  with  Boston  and  urging 
such  measures  as  would  settle  with  precision  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  America.  Delegates  were  appointed  to  attend  the 
different  conferences  and  earnest  co-operation  was  manifested  at 
all  times  for  carrying  on  the  war  successfully. 

Nagel' s Company  at  Cambridge. — In  April,  1775,  the  people 
of  the  town  raised  two  companies  of  infantry,  and  one  of  them,, 
commanded  by  Captain  George 
Nagel,  several  months  afterward, 
marched  to  Cambridge  and  partic- 
ipated in  the  campaign  at  that 
place.  Numerous  other  companies 
were  raised  in  response  to  repeated  calls  for  troops.  Alto- 
gether over  7800  men  were  furnished  by  Berks  county  who* 
were  in  actual  service.  And  great  quantities  of  supplies  were 
forwarded  to  the  government,  amounting  to  several  hundred 
thousand  dollars. 

Store-house  for  Supplies. — Reading  was  a prominent  inland 
place  for  storing  supplies  of  all  kinds  during  the  whole  period,, 
having  been  selected  by  the  Board  of  War  for  its  admirable  sit- 
uation; and  prisoners  of  war  were  sent  here  in  large  numbers. 
The  locality  where  they  were  quartered  was  called  “Hessian 
Camp,”  after  the  Hessians  taken  at  Trenton  in  December,  1776. 
It  was  situated  to  the  east  of  the  town,  along  the  Hill  road.  In 
1 777,  when  the  British  entered  Philadelphia,  many  residents  of 
that  city  fled  to  Reading  for  safety. 

Prominent  Men.— Reading  furnished  many  men  who  became 
very  active  in  the  service.  Edward  Biddle  was  one  of  the  repre- 
sentatives from  Pennsylvania  in  the  First  Continental  Congress  ; 
Bodo  Otto  and  Jonathan  Potts  were  prominent  surgeons;  Mark 

Bird,  Henry  Haller,  Nicholas  Lotz, 
Joseph  Hiester  and  Daniel  Brodhead 
were  colonels  ; and  George  Nagelr 
John  Spohn,  Peter  Decker,  Henry 
Christ,  John  Diehl,  John  Rightmyer  and  Peter  Scull  were  cap- 


18 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


tains.  Edward  Scull  was  secretary  of  the  Board  of  War  ; 

James  Read  was  an  Execu- 
tive Councillor,  and  Regis- 
ter of  the  Court  of  Admiral- 
ty ; and  Edward  Burd  was 
Prothonotary  of  the  Supreme 
Court. 

borough  1783-1847. 

Borough  Erected. — The  town  of  Reading  was  incorporated 
into  a borough  on  September  12,  1783.  It  contained  over  400 
taxables,  and  about  2100  inhabitants;  and  it  was  generally 
recognized  then  as  the  largest  and  most  progressive  inland  town 
in  the  United  States.  The  principal  officers  were  a chief  bur- 
gess and  associate,  four  assistant  burgesses,  high  constable, 
treasurer,  clerk,,  two  supervisors  and  two  assessors. 

Surrounding  Towns. — The  county  of  Berks  contained  about 
25,000  population,  and  the  surrounding  towns  in  the  county 
were  Womelsdorf,  14  miles  west;  Hamburg,  18  miles  north; 
Kutztown,  16  miles  northeast;  Birdsboro,  9 miles  southeast; 
and  Morgantown,  15  miles  south.  Nine-tenths  of  the  inhabi- 
tants were  German.  A newspaper  printed  in  the  German  lan- 
guage was  established  in  1789,  and  a post  office  in  1793.  A 
daily  mail  by  stage  was  started  in  1793,  and  continued  until 
1838,  when  the  railroad  was  introduced,  and  increased  facilities 
for  transportation  were  afforded. 

Stage  Coach. — The  stage  coach  was  introduced  at  Reading  in 
1789,  and  ran  from  Reading  to  Philadelphia.  Afterward,  lines 
were  extended  in  different  directions,  and  they  were  carried  on 
until  the  railroads  were  constructed.  The  business  was  very 
brisk  from  1826  to  1838. 

Bridges. — A ferry  was  carried  on  at  the  “Ford”  from  1783 
to  1815,  when  a covered  wooden  bridge  was  constructed  by  the 
county  commissioners.  Another  covered  wooden  bridge  was 
constructed  by  the  officers  named  at  Levan’s  Ferry  at 
the  foot  of  Bingaman  street  in  1831.  The  first  bridge  across  the 
river  near  Reading  was  on  the  road  to  Sunbury  through  Bern 
township,  erected  in  1810. 

Public  Buildings. — The  court  house  continued  in  Penn 
square  until  1840;  and  the  prison  at  Fifth  and  Washington  until 


INTERNAL  IMPROVEMENTS. 


19 


I 1848.  The  “State  House”  for  the  county  officers  was  erected 
on  the  northeast  corner  Fifth  street  and  Penn  square  in  1791  and 
was  used  for  this  public  purpose  until  1840.  A second  market 
house  was  erected  in  West  Penn  square  in  1799.  Both  market 
houses  were  rebuilt  in  1846.  They  had  70  stalls  and  116  stands. 

Turnpikes.—  While  the  subject  of  bridges  was  discussed  by 
the  people,  another  received  their  attention.  It  was  that  of 
turnpikes.  These  were  extended  over  prominent  highways, 
•one  to  the  north  in  1805  called  the  “Centre,”  the  second  to  the 
south-east  in  1810  called  the  “Perkiomen,”  and  the  third  to  the 
west  in  1817,  called  the  “Berks  and  Dauphin.” 

Canals. — Two  canals,  leading  from  Reading,  were  constructed, 
the  Schuylkill,  extending  along  the  river  north  to  Pottsville  and 
southeast  to  Philadelphia,  in  1822,  and  the  “Union,”  extend- 
ing west  to  Lebanon  and  Middletown,  in  1828.  Large  quanti- 
ties of  goods,  especially  coal  and  lumber,  were  shipped  over 
these  canals.  The  enterprise  was  successful  through  this  period, 
and  contributed  much  towards  the  development  of  the  borough. 

Railroad. — The  Philadelphia  and  Reading  railroad  was  pro- 
jected along  the  Schuylkill  through  Reading  from  Philadelphia 
to  Pottsville  in  1833.  It  was  completed  to  Reading  in  1838,  and 
to  Pottsville  in  1842,  and  then  became  an  additional  factor  with 
the  turnpikes  and  canals  for  great  local  progress. 

Banks. — A “Branch”  of  the  Bank  of  Pennsylvania  was 
established  at  Reading  in  1808,  (in  the  building  occupied  by 
the  Union  Bank, ) and  carried  on  successfully  until  its  suspen- 
sion in  1857.  The  Farmers’  Bank  was  organized  in  1814,  and 
it  has  been  maintained  successfully  ever  since,  now  over  80 
years  and  in  the  same  building.  The  Eckerts  have  been  prom- 
inently identified  with  it  since  1838.  A third  bank  was  organ- 
ized in  1836,  but  it  continued  only  eight  years.  It  was  called 
the  “Berks  County  Bank.” 

Panic  of  1837. — A money  panic  arose  in  the  borough  in 
1837,  owing  to  a suspension  of  prominent  banks  in  the  large 
cities,  but  the  local  business  men  published  a notice  in  which 
they  expressed  entire  confidence  in  the  Reading  banks  and  a 
willingness  to  accept  their  notes  in  payment  of  debts  and  mer- 
chandise. But  the  scarcity  of  money  compelled  certain  mer- 
chants to  resort  to  an  expedient  for  a circulating  medium  by 
issuing  notes  for  small  sums  which  were  called  by  the  people 


20 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


“Shinplasters,”  “Rag  Barons”  and  “Hickory  Leaves.”  And 
the  Borough  Council,  to  relieve  the  community  in  this  behalf, 
issued  loan  certificates  in  denominations  of  5,  10,  25  and  50 
cents,  and  1,  2 and  3 dollars,  redeemable  August  1,  1838.  The 
whole  issue  amounted  to  $25,000.  They  were  loaned  to 
business  men  on  approved  security  and  subsequently  redeemed. 

Industrial  Affairs . — During  this  period,  industrial  affairs  be- 
came the  prominent  feature  of  Reading.  The  small  shops  were 
developed  into  large  factories  and  mills,  and  the  capital  invested 
in  such  establishments  increased  from  several  hundred  dollars  to 
many  thousands.  The  energy  of  certain  influential  men  was 
directed  chiefly  towards  the  manufacture  of  iron,  and  this  stim- 
ulated various  other  enterprises,  • particularly  in  the  line  of 
building  operations.  The  discovery  of  coal  and  the  application 
of  steam  to  motive  power  for  operating  machinery  were  the 
direct  causes  of  this  marked  improvement,  and  the  canal  and 
railroad  were  natural  results  from  their  introduction  and  increas- 
ing use.  The  large  increase  in  population  must  be  attributed  to 
them,  the  growth  from  1830  to  1840  having  been  over  43  per 
cent,  and  from  1840  to  1850  over  87  per  cent.  The  country 
districts  of  Berks  county  increased  only  21  percent,  during  the 
former  decade,  and  only  19  per  cent,  during  the  latter. 

Water  Company. — In  1821,  a water  company  was  organized 
to  supply  the  people  of  the  borough  with  water.  A reservoir  was 
constructed  at  the  head  of  Penn  street,  and  the  water  from 
“Hampden  Spring”  was  conveyed  into  it  by  means  of  wooden 
pipes,  and  thence  distributed  through  the  place.  In  1833,  the 
investment  was  estimated  at  $25,000,  and  250  families  were  sup- 
plied. The  spring  had  a daily  flow  of  100,000  gallons,  and  the 
reservoir  had  a capacity  of  1000  hogsheads.  Pumps  continued 
to  be  used  in  all  parts  of  the  borough. 

Lightbig. — The  light  was  obtained  from  tallow  candles,  also 
from  oil  and  camphene  used  in  lamps.  The  streets  were  not 
lighted.  Public  buildings  were  seldom  occupied  in  the  night  for 
meetings  or  entertainments  ; and  there  were  no  halls. 

Fire  Companies. — Three  fire  companies  were  organized  in 
addition  to  the  Rainbow:  Junior  in  1813  ; Reading  in  1819  ; 

and  Neversink  in  1829. 

Newspapers. — A number  of  newspapers  were  started  in  this 
period.  The  first  was  in  1789.  In  1796,  there  were  three  others. 


NEWSPAPERS. 


21 


the  Reading  Herald , (English);  the  Reading  Adler , (German) 
published  until  now  ; and  the  Weekly  Advertiser , (English)  pub- 
lished until  1816,  when  the  Berks  and  Schuylkill  Journal , 
(English)  took  its  place,  which  is  still  issued.  The  Reading 
Courier , (German)  was  issued  from  1816  to  1826  ; the  Chrcmi- 
cle  of  the  Times , (English)  from  1826  to  1835  ; Berks  County 
Press , (English)  from  1835  to  5 Liberal  Observer , (Ger- 
man)  from  1839  to  1864  ; Reading  Gazette  and  Democrat , 
(English)  from  1840  to  1878,  when  the  Reading  Weekly  Eagle 
was  substituted  in  its  place,  and  this  has  been  published  until 
now  ; Old  Berks , ( Germ  an)  Irom  1840  to  1848,  when  it  was 
transferred  to  Pottsville  and  the  name  changed  to  Pottsville 
Adler.  Several  others  were  started  but  they  had  a short  exis- 
tence. The  spirit  for  writing  and  publishing  during  this  period 
was  very  strong.  The  editors  exhibited  much  courage  in  venti- 
lating their  opinions  on  political  and  social  topics. 

Churches  and  Schools. — Besides  the  three  denominations 
mentioned  in  the  first  period,  the  Roman  Catholics  and  Protes- 
tant Episcopals  came  to  erect  churches  in  the  second  period,  and 
also  the  Presbyterians,  Baptists,  Methodists,  Universalists  and 
English  Lutherans.  Schools  were  carried  on  successfully  as 
before  until  1835  when  the  public  system  was  introduced,  and 
in  1838  the  first  public  school  buildings  were  erected. 

Street  Names.- — Upon  the  laying  out  of  the  town,  the  streets 
were  named  as  follows: 

( East  a?id  West,) — Penn,  extending  through  the  centre  of  the 
town;  north  of  Penn,  Thomas  and  Margaret;  and  south  of 
Penn,  Richard  and  Hamilton.  (. North  and  South,') — King, 
Queen,  Callowhill,  Prince,  Duke,  Earl,  Clement,  Lord  and 
Vigour. 

These  names  were  changed  by  the  Borough  Council  on 
August  6,  1833,  and  those  substituted  were  as  follows,  Penn 
having  been  retained: 

(North  of  Penn,) — Liberty,  Washington  and  Walnut. 

( South  of  Penn,) — Cherry,  Franklin  and  Chestnut.  (Across 
Penn,) — Third,  Fourth,  Fifth,  Sixth,  Seventh,  Eighth,  Ninth, 
Tenth  and  Eleventh;  and  what  had  been  called  for  a time  Bridge 
and  Treat,  were  changed  to  Front  and  Second. 

On  October  18,  1845,  Council  named  the  following  alleys 
extending  north  from  Liberty: — Pear,  Thorn,  Rose,  Ash, 


22 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Church,  Reed,  Poplar,  Cedar,  Moss,  and  Black;  and  south  from 
Cherry: — Oak,  Apple,  Carpenter,  Wood,  Pear,  Plum,  Lemon, 
Peach,  Orange  and  Maple.  Laurel  and  Willow  streets  were 
also  named  then.  Bingaman  street  took  its  name  and  diagonal 
direction  from  the  northerly  line  of  the  patent  to  Peter  Bingaman; 
that  part  beyond  Tenth  street  having  been  vacated  by  an  Act  of 
Assembly,  passed  May  8,  1850. 

In  1832,  the  streets  were  graded  according  to  regulation  by 
Enoch  Lewis,  under  the  direction  of  Council. 

Early  Exhibitions . — Exhibitions  were  given  at  Reading  at  an 
early  day.  Reference  to  some  will  be  made  to  show  their 
character. 

In  January,  1799,  a man  named  Salanca  gave  a “curious  ex-' 
hibition”  in  Barr’s  ballroom,  consisting  of  legerdemain  perfor- 
mances by  himself,  tricks  by  a learned  dog  and  a display  of  fire- 
works. Tickets  for  adults,  50  cents  ; for  children,  25  cents. 

In  June,  1808,  an  elephant  8 years  old  and  7 feet  high,  was 
exhibited  at  the  public-house  of  Daniel  Feger  ; advertised  as  the  - 
only  elephant  then  in  the  country.  Admission,  25  cents. 

On  August  1,  1815,  a whale  was  exhibited  at  the  public-house 
of  William  Jones,  weight,  5000  pounds.  Admission,  12  cents; 
children,  half  price.  This  whale  was  caught  in  the  Delaware 
river  at  Trenton,  on  November  11,  1814. 

In  November,  1813,  Purdy,  Carley  & Bailey  exhibited  a 
menagerie  of  30  living  wild  animals,  including  a lion  and  lion- 
ess, Arabian  camels  (male  and  female),  llamas  fmale  and 
female),  hyena,  kangaroo,  tiger,  leopard  and  panther. 

In  December,  1838,  William  Paulin,  accompanied  by  a lady, 
ascended  from  Reading  in  a balloon  named  “Comet,”  and  in 
the  following  year  he  made  two  successful  ascensions. 

Circuses  gave  numerous  exhibitions  and  they  were  well 
patronized,  and  traveling  dramatic  troupes  visited  Reading, 
remaining  a week  at  a time. 

DISTINGUISHED  VISITORS. 

John  Penn' s Visit. — John  Penn  arrived  at  Reading  on  April 
7,  1788,  while  on  his  way  from  Philadelphia  to  Harrisburg. 

He  remained  two  days  and  expressed  himself  as  much  pleased 
with  the  town.  He  stayed  at  Witman’s  tavern,  southeast  corner 
Fifth  and  Franklin  streets,  and  he  regarded  the  accommoda- 


DISTINGUISHED  VISITORS.  23 

tions  as  worthy  of  a respectable  country  town.  He  dined 
heartily  on  cat-fish,  which  were  plentiful  in  the  river.  The 
next  day,  he  dined  with  James  Biddle,  Esq.  A number  of 
citizens  called  to  pay  their  respects.  He  came  here  to  look 
after  his  property.  On  April  9th,  he  visited  General  Thomas 
Mifflin  on  the  latter’s  farm  (now  Alms  House)  and  took  break- 
fast and  dinner  with  the  family.  After  dinner,  he  proceeded  on 
his  way. 

Washington' s Visit. — President  Washington  visited  Readings 
on  October  i,  1794,  while  on  his  way  from  Philadelphia  to 
Carlisle  during  the  Whiskey  Insurrection.  His  presence 
caused  much  social  excitement.  During  his  sojourn,  he  stayed 
at  the  Federal  Inn  where  many  people  called  to  pay  their 
respects.  A military  parade  was  given  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Nicholas  Lotz,  (who  had  taken  an  active  part  in  the  Revo- 
lution,) to  signalize  the  occasion,  and  the  distinguished  visitor 
reviewed  the  troops.  The  “Reading  Volunteers,”  (a  company 
of  militia,)  escorted  him  on  the  way,  and  at  Carlisle  they  were 
retained  as  his  body  guard. 

When  Washington  died  in  1799,  all  the  people  mourned  his 
loss.  The  newspapers  were  printed  with  heavy  black  borders; 
and  the  people  of  the  borough,  to  demonstrate  in  a public  man- 
ner their  great  sorrow  for  his  death  and  great  reverence  for  his 
name,  held  funeral  services  in  Trinity  Lutheran  church  on  Sun- 
day, January  5,  1800.  A procession  was  solemnly  formed  on 
Penn  square,  and  a great  concourse  of  people,  under  the  lead 
of  the  militia  of  the  borough,  marched  to  the  church. 

Van  Bureri s Visit. — The  President  of  the  United  States, 
Martin  Van  Buren,  visited  Reading  on  Tuesday,  June  25,  1839, 
while  on  his  way  from  Harrisburg  to  Easton.  A special  com- 
mittee met  him  at  Womelsdorf.  Many  citizens  from  different 
parts  of  the  county  formed  a procession  on  the  turnpike  some 
distance  west  of  the  Harrisburg  bridge,  and  joined  the  com- 
mittee in  escorting  the  distinguished  visitor  to  Reading.  He 
was  pleased  to  receive  such  an  expressive  welcome  from  the 
thriving  town  on  the  Schuylkill,  which  three  years  before  had 
given  him  a strong  political  support,  nearly  four  to  one  against 
Gen.  W.  H.  Harrison.  The  procession  paraded  through  the 
principal  streets.  The  president  rode  on  a fine  cream-colored 
horse,  and  his  graceful  horsemanship  attracted  general  attention. 


24 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


He  sojourned  at  Herr’s  hotel.  During  the  evening  a recep- 
tion was  held  at  the  residence  of  Samuel  Bell,  Esq.,  where  many 
citizens  assembled  to  show  him  honor.  He  left  for  Easton  via 
Kutztown  on  the  following  morning,  a number  of  prominent 
citizens  having  accompanied  him  as  far  as  Kutztown.  In  the 
previous  year  he  paid  a high  compliment  to  the  borough  by 
•selecting  Hon.  Henry  A.  Muhlenberg  to  be  the  first  minister 
plenipotentiary  to  Austria. 

Scott's  Visit. — Gen.  Winfield  Scott  visited  Reading  on  Satur- 
day, May  21,  1842,  during  a great  “Military  Encampment” 
comprising  14  companies  of  militia  from  Berks,  Lehigh  and 
Schuylkill  counties,  of  which  four  were  from  Reading,  number- 
ing 157  men.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  aids.  They  were 
met  at  the  railroad  station  (Seventh  and  Chestnut  streets)  by  a 
•detachment  of  militia,  and  escorted  to  Herr’s  hotel,  where  they 
were  cordially  welcomed  and  properly  entertained.  Many  citi- 
zens followed  the  parade.  On  Monday  (23rd,)  he  reviewed  the 
troops,  and  left  on  the  next  day  for  Danville,  to  review  a similar 
encampment.  During  the  day,  medals,  were  awarded  for  skill- 
ful shooting.  General  Scott  was  much  pleased  with  the  disci- 
pline and  appearance  of  the  encampment;  and  he  paid  a special 
compliment  to  the  Reading  Artillerists.  The  encampment  was 
held  on  Penn  Common.  It  was  the  first  in  Reading. 

Liberty  Poles  of  1799. — During  the  administration  of  Presi- 
dent Adams,  Congress  caused  a direct  tax  to  be  levied  upon 
houses.  This  was  objectionable  to  many  persons.  In  Eastern 
Pennsylvania  an  insurrection  arose  in  1799,  and  liberty  poles  were 
■erected  to  declare  the  feeling  of  opposition.  A number  of  them 
were  erected  at  and  near  Reading.  While  a company  of  soldiers 
were  on  their  way  through  Reading  to  Bucks  county,  several  of 
these  poles  were  cut  down,  and  the  conduct  of  the  soldiers  was 
severely  criticised  by  an  editorial  in  the  Adler.  When  the 
company  reached  Reading  on  its  way  to  Lancaster,  the  Captain 
got  to  hear  of  this  criticism,  and  he  demanded  the  name  of  the 
author.  It  was  refused,  and  the  proprietor  ('Jacob  Schneider) 
was  taken  to  Penn  square  and  publicly  flogged. 

English  War  of  1812-15. — After  the  Revolution,  the 
British  government  conducted  itself  in  an  offensive  manner 
persistently  until  the  complaints  became  too  loud  and  the  inju- 


REVIEW  OF  READING. 


25 


ries  too  grievous  to  be  endured  any  longer,  when  President 
Madison  made  them  subjects  for  his  message  to  Congress  on 
June  1,  1812,  and  a declaration  of  war  was  issued.  Berks 
county  supplied  twelve  organized  companies  in  response  to  the 
call  for  troops.  The  companies  of  Capt.  Thomas  Moore  and 
Capt.  Daniel  deB.  Keim  were  composed  entirely  of  men  from 
Reading;  and  the  greater  part  of  the  men  in  the  companies  of 
Capt.  Jacob  Marshall  and  Capt.  George  Marx  were  also  from 
Reading.  The  companies  left  in  August,  1814,  and  performed 
military  duty  at  York,  Pa.,  but  they  did  not  participate  in  any 
engagements  with  the  enemy.  Some  of  the  men  remained  four 
months,  and  others  six  months.  Peace  was  concluded  Decem- 
ber 24,  1814.  When  the  event  was  made  known  at  Reading, 
the  citizens  signalized  it  by  shooting  off  cannon  during  the  day 
and  by  a grand  illumination  at  night,  in  which  1600  pounds  of 
candles  were  consumed. 

During  the  war  when  the  British  approached  Philadelphia,  a 
number  of  English  families  who  lived  there  were  compelled  to 
move  away  at  least  50  miles,  and  on  that  account  they  came  to 
Reading.  This  was  in  August,  1814. 

Mexican  War. — War  between  the  United  States  and  Mexico 
was  declared  in  May,  1846.  The  chief  burgess,  William  Betz 
presided  at  a public  meeting,  held  on  May  20th,  at  which  the 
government  was  sustained.  Three  companies  of  men  from 
Reading  tendered  their  services,  and  one  of  them  was  accepted, 
the  Reading  Artillerists,  commanded  by  Capt.  Thomas  P. 
Leoser.  This  company  left  on  December  26th  for  Mexico,  and 
participated  in  the  following  battles:  Vera  Cruz,  Cerro  Gordo, 
Chapultepec  and  Belen  Gate.  They  returned  July  29,  1848, 
and  were  given  a brilliant  reception. 

REVIEW  OF  READING  IN  1847. 

Reading  was  incorporated  into  a city  on  March  16,  1847.  At 
that  time  it  was  in  a flourishing  state.  Shops,  factories  and 
stores  were  numerous.  The  population  numbered  about  12,000. 
The  tendency  of  local  development  was  to  the  south  of  Penn 
street  and  to  the  west  of  Ninth.  At  that  time  there  were  thir- 
teen churches,  seven  to  the  north  of  Penn,  and  six  to  the  south. 

The  railroad  deserves  especial  mention.  A decade  had  not 
fully  elapsed  since  its  introduction,  yet  it  demonstrated  to  a 


26 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


remarkable  degree  its  power  in  accelerating  the  growth  of  every- 
thing. Another  railroad  had  been  projected  in  1836  to  extend 
westward  to  Harrisburg,  but  it  was  not  as  yet  begun.  The 
canals  and  stages  occupied  a prominent  position.  The  former 
consisted  of  two  lines,  the  “Schuylkill”  and  “Union,”  and  the 
latter  of  three  lines,  to  Easton,  Harrisburg  and  Lancaster. 

A prominent  social  movement  was  then  perceptible.  This 
was  the  secret  society  and  though  first  started  in  1794,  it  had 
not  begun  to  make  a marked  impression  till  towards  the  close  of 
the  second  period  of  Reading,  The  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  was  particularly  active.  As  a beneficial  organization,  it 
extended  its  branches  in  various  directions  with  remarkable 
earnestness  and  success. 

The  fire  company  was  active.  Four  volunteer  companies 
were  conducted  successfully,  (Rainbow,  Junior,  Reading  and 
Neversink,)  partly  through  pecuniary  assistance  from  the  munic- 
ipal government,  but  mainly  from  the  spontaneous  efforts  of 
their  members. 

The  system  of  common-school  education  was  actively  con- 
ducted, there  being  17  schools,  31  teachers  and  2064  scholars. 
Five  newspapers  were  published  successfully.  Advertising  was 
a prominent  feature  in  all  of  them.  The  political  sentiment  of 
the  inhabitants  was  favorable  to  the  Whigs  in  local  affairs,  but 
to  the  Democrats  in  state  and  national. 

The  public  markets  were  largely  attended.  The  market 
men  came  regularly  twice  a week,  Wednesdays  and  Saturdays. 
Councils  had  proposed  no  improvement  beyond  the  advantages 
first  afforded  in  1766,  and  rents  were  still  collected. 

The  semi-annual  fairs  were  kept  up.  Dancing,  drinking  and 
fighting  were  conspicuous  features.  The  militia  spirit  main- 
tained its  activity;  and  exercise  was  carried  on  annually  in  May, 
which  was  known  as  “battalion  day.” 

Most  of  the  people  were  domestic  in  their  daily  life.  Garden- 
ing was  carried  on  either  in  lots,  upon  which  the  dwellings 
stood,  or  in  out-lots.  Fruit  trees  were  numerous,  and  plums, 
peaches,  cherries  and  apples  were  plentiful.  “Preserving” 
fruit  was  common,  not  “canning”  as  now.  And  nearly  every 
family  boiled  apple  butter  in  an  open  fire  place  in  the  fall  of  the 
year.  Home-made  sausage,  pudding,  scrapple,  hams  and  mince 


REVIEW  OF  READING. 


27 


were  in  every  household.  About  Christmas  time  the  cellars  of 
housekeepers  were  well  stocked. 

The  fuel  for  domestic  purposes  in  cooking  and  heating  was 
almost  wholly  wood,  and  this  was  consumed  in  a “ten-plate” 
stove;  and  sawing  of  cord-wood  by  hand  was  a common  occupa- 
tion. Coal  had  been  known  to  the  community  for  nearly  forty 
years,  but  it  was  not  used  for  domestic  purposes,  its  consump- 
tion having  been  principally  in  public  places,  shops  and  factories. 

The  light  was  produced  from  fluid,  oil  and  tallow,  even  com- 
mon fat,  the  first  two  having  been  used  in  stores,  and  the  last 
two  in  dwellings,  especially  of  the  poorer  classes  of  inhabitants. 
The  streets  were  not  lighted  up  in  the  evening.  Lanterns  were 
carried  to  shed  light  upon  the  roadway.  There  were  no  “street 
crossings.”  The  customs  of  the  residents  had  not  yet  come  to 
convert  night  into  day  for  amusements  of  various  kinds.  Dra- 
matic entertainments  were  just  starting  out,  and  the  demands 
for  an  improved  light  were  gradually  growing  greater. 

The  town  was  not  large.  The  principal  portion  lay  between 
Walnut,  street  on  the  north  and  Chestnut  on  the  south;  Ninth 
street  on  the  east  and  Third  on  the  west.  Business  of  all  kinds 
was  done  almost  entirely  during  the  day-time,  and  merchants 
derived  their  chief  support  from  the  farmers.  Two  constables 
were  watchmen  of  the  night,  and  for  several  hours  before  and 
after  midnight  they  called  out  the  hour  and  the  condition  of  the 
weather  in  a monotonous,  low  tone  of  voice. 

The  pump  was  used  throughout  the  place,  notwithstanding 
the  general  supply  of  superior  water  afforded  by  the  Reading 
Water  Co.  It  was  convenient  in  every  block,  if  not  on  or  near 
every  street  corner.  At  least  100  pumps  were  in  daily  use. 
Penn  street  was  especially  well  supplied.  Ice  had  come  to  be 
furnished  in  small  quantities  for  about  ten  years,  but  not  for 
drinking  purposes. 

city — 1847  TO  1897. 

The  events  that  transpired  in  the  succeeding  fifty  years,  after 
the  incorporation  of  Reading  as  a city,  were  so  numerous  that  a 
narration  of  them  must  be  necessarily  brief  to  bring  them  with- 
in the  limits  of  this  compilation.  They  will  be  mentioned  by 
decades  in  the  order  of  their  occurrence  as  near  as  possible, 
referring  the  reader  to  other  parts  of  this  volume  for  a more 
extended  description  of  them. 


28 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


1847-57. — During  the  decade  from  1847  to  1857,  business 
affairs  grew  more  active,  and  continued  to  do  so  till  towards  the 
close  when  a panic  ensued.  Gas  was  introduced  for  lighting 
purposes  in  1848.  The  first  large  hall  was  erected  by  the  Odd 
Fellows  in  1847,  which  provided  a meeting  place  for  the  society 
and  accommodations  for  the  public  in  respect  to  entertainments. 
The  Charles  Evans  Cemetery  was  founded  in  1848;  the  Trinity 
Lutheran  and  Roman  Catholic  cemeteries  on  the  northern  slope 
of  Mt.  Neversink  were  laid  out  in  1849;  and  the  Aulenbach 
cemetery  in  1851.  Interments  were  then  made  in  these 
cemeteries;  and  the  remains  of  many  buried  persons,  in  grave- 
yards in  the  central  parts  of  the  city,  were  transferred  to 
them.  Numerous  buildings  were  erected,  both  dwellings  and 
industrial  establishments,  the  latter  including  prominent  enter- 
prises which  have  been  continued  until  now. 

Two  railroads  were  constructed  in  1857,  the  “East  Penn”  to  the 
northeast,  and  the  “Lebanon  Valley”  to  the  west.  The  militia 
system  was  active  and  battalion  days  were  devoted  to  military 
exercise.  In  1856,  there  was  a battalion  comprising  6 com- 
panies with  539  men  enrolled.  The  fair  days  at  the  market- 
houses  passed  away  without  regret  from  any  one,  and  in  1852, 
an  agricultural  society  began  holding  a county  fair  for  an  im- 
proved annual  exhibition  of  goods,  live-stock,  etc.  An  excit- 
ing topic  at  this  time  was  the  discovery  of  gold  in  California, 
and  several  parties  went  there  from  Reading,  but  their  discourag- 
ing letters  dispelled  the  charm,  and  the  excitement  subsided. 
Various  political  questions  agitated  the  people,  and  one  of  them, 
that  of  slavery,  caused  the  presidential  campaign  of  1856  to  be 
particularly  enthusiastic. 

A public  high-school  was  established  in  1852,  and  the  tax- 
payers realized  the  promises  of  its  projectors  in  affording 
advanced  education  to  such  as  attended  the  common  schools. 
The  greatest  freshet  in  the  Schuylkill  valley  occurred  in  1850, 
and  the  people  of  Reading  suffered  damages  estimated  at  more 
than  $500,000.  Both  bridges  were  swept  away.  The  flood 
rose  to  a point  25  feet  above  the  ordinary  level  of  the  river. 
On  January  8,  1854,  the  Philadelphia  and  Reading  Railroad 
Company  machine  shops  on  Seventh  between  Franklin  and 
Chestnut  streets  were  destroyed  by  fire,  causing  a loss  of  $50,000, 
which  was  the  most  destructive  fire  at  Reading  until  that  time; 


REVIEW  OF  READING. 


29 


and  on  April  20,  1857,  the  roof  of  the  same  shop  broke  down 
for  a space  of  40  by  180  feet  by  reason  of  a great  fall  of  snow 
on  the  day  before  (Sunday)  followed  by  rain,  this  happening 
while  300  workmen  were  underneath,  all  of  whom  escaped  unhurt. 

1857-67. — In  the  decade  from  1857  to  1867,  the  Civil  War 
was  the  most  engrossing  subject  which  engaged  the  attention  of 
the  people.  Many  companies  of  men  were  enlisted  here,  and 
the  excitement  on  many  occasions  was  intense.  The  people  of 
the  city  supported  the  government  devotedly  and  liberally  in  its 
great  efforts  to  suppress  the  Rebellion.  In  1863,  houses  were 
numbered  by  Councils  by  an  admirable  system  through  the 
efforts  of  Jacob  Knabb,  postmaster,  to  facilitate  and  dispatch 
the  delivery  of  letters.  The  streets  were  regulated  by  a topo- 
graphical survey  from  1864  to  1867,  and  the  fixing  of  lines  and 
grades  encouraged  building  operations,  especially  in  the  northern 
section  of  the  city.  The  water-works  were  purchased  by  Coun- 
cils in  1865.  Efforts  were  made  to  improve  the  city  charter  by 
amendments  in  1861  and  1864. 

The  Firemen’s  Union  was  organized  in  1861.  The  co-edu- 
cation of  boys  and  girls  in  the  high-school  was  started  in  1859, 
and  all  the  wards  were  consolidated  into  one  district  for  school 
purposes  in  1864.  The  people  were  active  and  energetic  in 
every  department  of  life,  and  the  wealth  of  the  community  was 
increased  millions  of  dollars.  Weekly  newspapers  became 
more  thoroughly  circulated,  and  the  daily  newspaper  was  success- 
fully established  in  1858.  Postal  facilities  were  increased  to  the 
great  convenience  of  the  people;  and  another  railroad  was  ex- 
tended to  the  southwest  in  1864,  affording  direct  communication 
with  Lancaster  and  Columbia.  Political  excitement  reached  the 
highest  point  which  the  community  was  able  to  bear  without 
resulting  in  a public  disturbance. 

1867-77.  — In  the  third  decade  from  1867  to  1877,  general 
enterprise  was  very  active  in  the  beginning  and  continued  so  for 
several  years,  but  then  it  began  to  decline  and  finally  showed 
marked  effects  from  the  financial  panic  which  prevailed 
throughout  the  country.  Great  fires  at  Chicago  in  1871,  and  at 
Boston  in  1872,  destroyed  much  property,  resulting  in  losses 
amounting  to  more  than  $200,000,000,  and  a large  proportion 
had  to  be  paid  by  fire  insurance  companies,  located  in  different 
parts  of  the  country,  which  caused  great  embarrassment.  It 


30 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


seemed  that  some  evil  genius  hovered  over  this  community  also, 
because  there  were  many  acts  of  incendiarism  in  the  most  popu- 
lous parts  of  the  city  about  that  time,  but  the  volunteer  fire 
companies  by  their  vigilance  prevented  serious  losses. 

In  1872,  two  steam  fire  engines  were  added  to  the  fire  depart- 
ment, and  in  1873  the  electric  fire  alarm  system  was  introduced, 
which  immediately  demonstrated  its  great  value.  The  old 
market-houses  were  removed  in  1871,  and  private  build- 
ings for  market  purposes  were  substituted  The  limits  of  the 
city  were  extended  northward  in  1871,  increasing  the  area 
to  more  than  3200  acres.  A large  modern  hall  for  amusements 
was  erected  in  1872  on  the  north  side  of  east  Penn  square,  which 
afforded  increased  opportunities  for  witnessing  dramatic  and 
operatic  performances.  The  postal  card  was  introduced  in  1873, 
and  the  business  of  the  post  office  was  largely  increased.  The 
P.  & R.  R.  Co.  erected  a large  and  commodious  “Union 
Station”  at  the  junction  of  its  several  lines  of  railroad,  which 
was  opened  for  travel  on  August  3,  1874. 

The  general  Act  of  1874,  for  the  government  of  cities  of  the 
third  class — which  included  Reading — was  accepted;  the  water  of 
Antietam  creek  was  appropriated  by  the  city  and  a storage  reser- 
voir was  constructed  in  Alsace  township  with  a capacity  for 
30,000,000  gallons.  Railroad  communication  was  extended  by 
completing  the  road  to  Wilmington  to  the  south,  and  to  Slating- 
ton  to  the  north;  and  the  street  railway  was  introduced  along 
Penn  and  Sixth  streets.  The  “Centennial  Exhibition”  at 
Philadelphia  was  a prominent  subject  for  several  years,  especially 
from  May  10th  to  November  10th,  1876;  and  the  display  of 
productions  by  Reading  manufacturers  and  of  educational  work 
by  the  Reading  School  District  was  highly  complimented.  The 
management  of  the  schools  by  the  first  city  superintendent, 
elected  in  1867,  proved  very  successful,  and  during  the  decade 
ten  large  brick  buildings  were  erected. 

In  October,  1869,  there  was  an  unusual  freshet,  the  river  ris- 
ing twenty-three  feet  and  inflicting  damages  to  the  shops  along 
the  river  amounting  to  $50,000.  On  Sunday,  June  26,  1870', 
the  P.  & R.  R.  Co.  car  shops  at  Sixth  and  Oley  streets  (168  by 
,710  ft.)  were  destroyed  by  fire,  causing  a loss  of  more  than 
$100,000;  and  on  January  16,  1872,  there  was  another  large 
and  costly  fire  at  Fifth  and  Penn  streets,  which  destroyed 


I 

) 


REVIEW  OF  READING. 


31 


Stichter’s  hardware  store,  Ebner’s  building,  old  “State  House,  ” 
and  other  buildings  on  Fifth  street,  resulting  in  a loss  exceed- 
ing $100,000.  The  store  was  rebuilt  in  thirty  days  by  Joseph 
L.  Stichter — a circumstance  commented  upon  for  many  years. 
The  building  and  savings  associations  were  in  a flourishing  con- 
dition. 

The  political  sentiment  of  the  people  manifested  a great 
change,  and  the  process  of  changing  from  the  Democratic  party 
to  the  Republican  by  1876  had  developed  a high  degree  of  ex- 
citement, the  election  returns  of  that  year  causing  the  loudest 
demonstrations  ever  witnessed  at  Reading.  Enterprise  reached 
out  in  different  branches  of  industry,  giving  employment  to  a 
largely  increased  number  of  mechanics  and  laborers.  Merchants 
showed  a high  appreciation  of  the  value  of  advertising  in  local 
newspapers,  and  as  they  attracted  the  residents  to  their  stores, 
the  Philadelphia  merchants  did  the  same  to  theirs  by  advertis- 
ing their  goods  in  the  Reading  newspapers. 

1877-1887 . — The  fourth  decade  from  1877  to  1887  went 
far  in  advance  of  the  previous  decades  in  public  affairs,  private 
enterprises  and  social  amusements.  It  started  with  a serious 
disturbance  on  account  of  the  labor  question,  which  culminated 
in  a riot  on  July  23,  1877,  causing  the  death  of  ten  persons, 
and  the  wounding  of  thirty-nine,  and  the  loss  of  the  large 
bridge  across  the  Schuylkill  on  the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad. 
The  riot  took  place  at  Seventh  and  Penn  streets.  The  strike 
was  general,  extending  through  Pennsylvania  and  other  States. 
In  the  previous  decade,  allusion  was  made  to  the  panic,  but  it 
did  not  seriously  affect  Reading.  However,  conditions  gener- 
ally grew  worse  and  on  November  18,  1877,  the  Reading 
Savings  bank,  Bushong’s  bank,  and  Dime  Savings  bank  sus- 
pended, which  caused  the  greatest  financial  excitement  that 
Reading  ever  felt,  and  the  day  is  still  recalled  as  “Black  Friday.” 

An  earnest  beginning  for  a city  park  was  made  in  1878,  by 
cleaning  up  and  improving  the  triangular  part  of  the  Common 
which  adjoined  Perkiomen  avenue  and  Hill  road,  this  having 
been  done  by  tax-payers  in  the  vicinity  who  raised  over  $6000 
by  voluntary  contributions,  and  in  1884,  Councils  instituted  legal 
steps  to,  recover  that  part  of  the  common  which  had  been  occu- 
pied by  the  Berks  County  Agricultural  Society  since  1852,  and 
they  were  successful.  The  co-education  of  boys  and  girls  was 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


32 

found  unsatisfactory,  and  in  1881,  after  a trial  of  22  years,  they 
were  separated,  the  girls  remaining  in  the  high-school  building. 
In  1883  the  commodious  Boys’  High  School  was  erected,  and 
then  the  school  controllers  transferred  their  meeting  place  and 
offices  to  it.  In  that  year,  the  county  bridges  at  Reading  were 
declared  free,  and  electric  power  began  to  be  supplied  for  shops 
and  factories. 

The  water  works  were  much  enlarged  in  1880  and  1884,  in- 
creasing the  storage  over  50,000,000  gallons.  The  building 
and  savings  associations  were  in  a flourishing  condition,  25  hav- 
ing been  kept  up  whose  payments  and  investments  ran  into 
millions  of  dollars.  Societies  of  all  kinds  were  very  active, 
particularly  secret,  beneficial  and  social,  numbering  altogether 
150,  and  their  membership  including  almost  every  man  of  age 
in  the  community.  Factories  of  all  kinds  were  carried  on  ex- 
tensively, especially  for  hats,  stoves,  cigars  and  building 
materials.  And  one  of  the  most  important  events  in  the  decade 
was  the  construction  of  the  Pennsylvania  Schuylkill  Valley 
railroad  in  1884,  and  the  direct  connection  with  the  Pennsyl- 
vania railroad  system  thereby  afforded. 

1887-1897. — The  closing  decade  of  the  city  from  1887  to  1897 
was  the  most  active  of  all  the  decades  in  every  department  of 
life.  The  progress  was  remarkable,  and  it  exceeded  everything 
in  the  previous  history  of  the  place.  The  supply  of  water  was 
largely  increased  by  the  introduction  of  the  water  from  the 
Maiden  creek;  Penn  Common  was  improved  year  after  year  un- 
til it  came  to  be  the  most  attractive  spot  within  the  limits  of  the 
city;  the  school  buildings  were  increased  in  number  and  im- 
proved in  character,  and  so  were  the  church  buildings,  the 
moneys  appropriated  and  collected  for  these  two  purposes  sur- 
passing all  previous  efforts;  the  U.  S.  government  supplied  a 
superior  building  for  post  office  purposes;  the  subject  of  streets 
and  sewers  was  agitated  for  a long  while  with  apparently  little 
progress  in  behalf  of  these  public  improvements,  but  it  prevailed 
eventually,  and  the  years  1896  and  1897  became  notable,  a 
million  dollars  having  been  expended  in  their  construction;  pub- 
lic demonstrations,  parades,  excursions,  and  conventions  were 
unusual  in  number  and  character,  which  developed  the  reputa- 
tion of  Reading  as  a place  of  industry,  substantial  wealth  and 
superior  advantages  to  a remarkable  degree. 


REVIEW  OF  READING. 


33 


The  street  railway  system  was  extended  very  much  and  the 
mountain  roads  were  established.  The  application  of  electricity 
as  a motive  power  for  running  the  street  cars  was  applied  to  the 
cars  on  the  East  Reading  line  of  street  railway  in  1890,  and  it 
was  extended  to  all  the  lines  in  the  city  in  1893. 

Industrial  establishments  for  various  articles  were  erected, 
especially  for  steel,  hosiery  and  bicycles,  affording  employment 
to  several  thousand  additional  persons  and  yielding  to  the  com- 
munity over  a million  dollars  in  wages.  Conduits  began  to  be 
laid  for  under-ground  wires  by  the  Pennsylvania  Telephone 
Company.  The  greatest  fires  in  the  history  of  the  city  occurred, 
the  losses  reaching  a million  dollars,  three  worthy  of  special 
mention  being  the  Carpenter  Steel  Mill,  Reading  Hardware 
Works,  and  Sternbergh  Nut  and  Bolt  Works;  and  the  city  was 
visited  by  the  greatest  storm  in  1889,  having  demolished  the 
silk  mill  and  part  of  the  East  Penn  railroad  shop,  killing  22 
persons  and  injuring  more  than  100. 

Civil  War. — The  Civil  War  in  the  United  States  was  carried 
on  from  1861  to  1865.  It  was  caused  by  the  attempt  of  seven 
Southern  states  to  secede  from  the  Union,  on  account  of  the 

election  of  Abraham  Lin- 
coln as  president  by  the 
Republican  party,  whose 
political  p 1 a t f o r m was- 
resolved  against  slavery. 
After  an  attack  had  been 
made  upon  Fort  Sumter  at 
Charleston,  S.  C.,  on  April 
1 2th,  by  certain  Confeder- 
ates, President  Lincoln 
made  a requisition  for 
troops  on  April  15th,  to 
which  there  was  a quick 
and  earnest  response  by  the 
Northern  states.  The  first 
company  to  respond  was 
the  Ringgold  Light  Artil- 
lery, a superior  company  at  Reading,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
James  McKnight.  This  was  on  April  16,  1861.  The  feeling 
here  for  preserving  the  Union,  from  that  time  until  the  close  of  the 


34 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


war,  was  strong  and  continuous,  the  people  of  Reading  doing 
their  whole  duty,  both  in  furnishing  men  and  appropriating  money. 

In  answer  to  the  first  call  for  troops  for  three  months,  Reading 
supplied  six  companies  and  two  bands  of  music.  The  names  of 
the  captains  were  James  McKnight,  Henry  Nagle,  George  W. 
Alexander,  Frank  M.  Cooley,  Albert  F.  Rightmyer  and  David 
A.  Griffith  (three  of  them  surviving  until  now,  Rightmyer, 
Alexander  and  Griffith)  and  the  bands  were  the  “Ringgold,” 
whose  leader  was  John  A.  Hock,  and  the  “City,”  whose  leader 
was  E.  Ermentrout,  the  former  having  kept  up  its  organization 
until  the  present  time.  Subsequently,  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  Reading  supplied  about  40  additional  companies.  Alto- 
gether it  is  estimated  that  the  city  furnished  about  4000  men  for 
the  service,  and  appropriated  for  purposes  of  carrying  011  the 
war  about  $375,000.  The  people  of  Reading  can  point  to  their 
record  of  patriotism  during  this  trying  ordeal  with  a great  deal 
of  local  and  personal  pride. 


PART  II. — INTERNAL  IMPROVEMENTS. 

The  internal  improvements  comprise  those  buildings  and  con- 
structions of  a public  nature,  whether  paid  for  by  the  govern- 
ment or  by  private  individuals  and  corporations.  The  following 
comprise  those  that  have  contributed  to  the  general  welfare, 
whose  total  cost  to  the  community  and  to  the  projectors  amounts 
to  many  millions  of  dollars. 

Court  House. — The  court  house  was  the  first  public  edifice  at 
Reading.  It  was  a two-story  stone  building,  erected  in  1762, 
in  the  centre  of  Penn  square,  and  there  it  remained  until  1841. 
The  first  story  was  in  one  room  and  set  apart  for  the  courts;  the 
second  in  three  rooms  for  jury  purposes.  Public  elections  were 
held  in  it  until  1840.  For  ten  years  previous  to  1762,  the 
sessions  of  court  were  held  in  a room  at  some  tavern  of  the 
town.  The  present  court  house,  three-story  brick  structure, 
was  erected  in  1838-1840,  at  a cost  of  $59,000.  Upon  its  com- 
pletion, the  courts  were  held  there,  and  the  county  officers  took 
possession  of  rooms  provided  for  them  respectively,  in  which  to 
transact  the  public  business  and  place  the  records.  Additions 


COURT  HOUSE, 


COURT  HOUSE. 


35 


were  made  in  1869  and  1888.  The  steeple  is  142  feet  high. 
The  wooden  figure  on  the  top  representing  “Justice”  was  taken 


COURT  HOUSE — 1762-1840. 


down  in  1897,  and  the  bronze  figure  representing  “Liberty” 
was  substituted. 

Market. Houses. — In  1766,  the  Penns  granted  a charter  to  the 
town  for  holding  semi-weekly  markets;  also  semi-annual  fairs 
on  June  4th,  and  October  27th;  and  then  a market-house  was 


1149121 


36 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


erected  in  East  Penn  square.  It  was  a building  about  120  feet 
long  and  20  feet  wide,  consisting  of  a double  row  of  square 
brick  pillars,  covered  by  a double-pitched  shingle  roof,  and 
contained  32  stalls.  A similar  building  was  erected  in  West 
Penn  square  in  1799,  which  contained  38  stalls.  They  were 
rebuilt  in  1846  with  iron  columns  and  paved  extensions  for  in- 
creased accommodations  at  a cost  of  $6400,  and  abandoned  in 
1871,  when  they  were  sold  and  removed.  The  semi-annual 
fairs  were  discontinued  in  1852,  when  the  Berks  County 
Agricultural  Society  was  organized  to  give  annual  exhibitions  in 
their  stead. 

County  Prison. — The  first  county  prison  was  erected  in  1770, 
on  the  northeast  corner  of  Fifth  and  Washington  streets.  It 


COUNTY  PRISON— 1770-1848. 


was  a two-story  stone  building,  plastered,  and  used  for  confining 
prisoners  until  1848.  The  sheriff  occupied  part  of  it  with  his 
family.  The  second  floor  was  set  apart  for  prisoners,  having 
been  arranged  in  four  compartments.  This  building  is  still 
standing,  though  much  altered.  The  present  substantial  and 
attractive  stone  structure  on  Penn  Common  was  erected  in 
1847-48,  and,  upon  its  completion,  the  prison  was  removed  into 


BERKS  COUNTY  PRISON,  1848-1898. 


STATE  HOUSE. 


37 


it.  The  management  was  transferred  to  a board  of  elected  in- 
spectors, wxhich  has  continued  until  now.  A two-story  stone 
addition  was  built  at  the  north  end  in  1869.  The  total  number 
of  cells  is  94,  arranged  in  two  stories. 

State  House . — A two-story  brick  building  was  erected  by  the 
County  Commissioners  in  1793,  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Fifth 


STATE  HOUSE— COUNTY  OFFICES,  1793-1840. 


street  and  Penn  square,  for  the  county  officials  and  the  county 
records  and  papers.  It  was  used  for  this  purpose  until  1840, 
when  it  was  sold.  The  second  story  front  room  was  occupied  as 
a hall  for  various  purposes. 

Water  Works.- — The  inhabitants  were  supplied  with  water 
from  wells  and  cisterns  until  1821.  The  first  pump  at  Reading 
was  erected  in  East  Penn  square  in  1750  by  direction  of  the 
Penns,  and,  when  the  market-house  was  built  in  1766,  this 
pump  occupied  a position  in  the  centre.  The  well  was  53  feet 
deep  and  the  water  was  of  a superior  limestone  character.  It 
was  abandoned  in  1871,  when  the  market  house  was  removed. 

In  1821,  a water  company  was  formed  to  supply  the  inhabi- 
tants with  water,  and  then  a reservoir  was  constructed  at  the 
head  of  Penn  street  with  a storage  capacity  of  100,000  hogs- 


38  HISTORY  OF  READING. 

heads.  In  1865,  the  city  purchased  the  plant  for  $300,000. 
The  sources  of  supply  then  were  Hampden  spring,  Edelman 
spring  and  Bernhart  creek.  The  supply  was  largely  increased 
by  introducing  the  water  of  Antietam  creek  in  1874,  and  ot 
Maiden  creek  in  1889,  the  former  flowing  by  gravity  through 
large  iron  pipes  about  three  miles  to  the  city  line,  and  the  latter 
being  forced  through  similar  pipes  about  four  miles  to  the  city 
line  by  two  Worthington  pumps,  one  of  which  has  a daily  ca- 
pacity of  5,000,000  gallons  and  the  other  10,000,000.  Total 
net  cost  of  water  supply  to  April  1,  1897,  $1,684,600;  debt 
$532,5°°,  less  sinking  fund  $37,770.  Total  storage  capacity 
181,532,000  gallons;  daily  possible  supply  15,000,000  gallons; 
average  daily  consumption,  6,000,000  gallons.  Total  quantity 
received  for  year  1896-97,  2,204,742,987  gallons,  and  con- 
sumed 2,197,457,160  gallons.  Supply  is  from  six  sources, 
which,  with  per  centum , is  as  follows: — Antietam,  43.7;  Bern- 
hart, 28.2;  Maiden  creek,  24.4;  Edelman,  2.4;  Hampden  1.; 
and  Hampden  drift,  .3. 

Public  Roads. — The  public  roads  figured  prominently  in  con- 
nection with  Reading  from  the  beginning  of  its  history.  The 

ford  at  the  Schuylkill 
was  a central  point 
from  which  they  were 
extended  in  various 
directions.  When  the 
town  was  laid  out, 
there  were  regular 
highways ; north  to 
the  mouth  of  the 
Maiden  creek,  almost 
in  a straight  line  for 
six  miles;  north-east 
through  Alsace; 
south-east  th  r o u g h 
Exeter  to  Philadel- 
phia; south-west 
through  Cumru  t o 
Lancaster;  and  west 
through  Cumru  and 
Heidelberg,  also  in  a straight  line,  to  Lebanon.  And  afterward 


VIEW  OF  READING  RESERVOIR,  LOOKING  NORTH. 


VIEW  OF  READING  RESERVOIR,  LOOKING  SOUTH, 


LOCATION  OF  READING. 


39 


others  were  established  to  facilitate  travel  from  Reading  to  the 
different  sections  of  the  county. 

Streets. — The  streets  were  established  when  the  town  was  laid 
out,  and  the  personal  and  royal  names  given  to  them  by  the 
proprietaries  were  continued  until  changed  by  the  Borough 
Council  in  1833.  The  numeral  system  was  then  substituted  for 
the  streets  running  north  and  south;  and  those  running  east  and 
west,  excepting  Penn,  Washington  and  Franklin,  were  named 
after  trees,  and  those  subsequently  laid  out,  after  the  townships 
of  the  county.  They  are  at  right  angles  with  one  another. 
Some  of  them,  however,  run  at  an  oblique  angle,  the  most 
prominent  being  Bingaman  street,  Perkiomen,  Centre  and 
Schuylkill  avenues.  The  total  number  of  miles  of  projected 
streets  is  135;  of  which  77  miles  are  open  for  public  use. 

The  first  grading  of  the  streets  was  made  in  1832.  A topo- 
graphical survey  was  made  by  Samuel  M.  Rea  from  1864  to 
1868.  The  plans,  in  eleven  sections,  are  on  file  in  the  Quarter 
Sessions’  office  of  Berks  county.  In  1863,  the  system  of  num- 
bering the  houses  along  the  streets  was  adopted  by  Councils,, 
allowing  100  for  each  square  from  Front  street  eastward,  and 
also  for  each  square  north  and  south  of  Penn  street.  This  was 
effected  by  Jacob  Knabb  while  postmaster,  to  facilitate  and  dis- 
patch the  delivery  of  letters,  having  had  numerous  petitions 
signed  by  the  citizens  recommending  it. 

After  considering  for  a long  while  the  subject  of  permanent 
street  improvements,  Councils  eventually,  in  1882,  purchased  a 
steam  road-roller,  weighing  15  tons,  and  began  a gradual  im- 
provement of  the  streets  in  the  interior  sections  of  Reading  by 
macadamizing  the  surface,  and  they  kept  at  it  year  after  year 
until  1897,  spending  annually  about  $25,000.  This  not  proving 
satisfactory,  they  then  determined  to  lay  sheet  asphaltum,  and 
during  that  year  expended  over  $120,000  on  Penn  street  and 
Perkiomen  avenue  from  Front  street  to  Thirteenth,  and  on  south 
Fifth  street  from  Penn  to  Pine 

Location  of  City. — The  lines,  enclosing  the  plan  of  Reading, 
form  an  irregular  figure,  about  3 miles  long  and  miles  wide; 
and  the  tract  contains  about  4000  acres.  The  eastern  boundary 
line  is  along  the  base  of  Mt.  Penn,  and  the  western  along  the 
west  bank  of  the  Schuylkill,  the  latter  being  nearly  5 miles 
long.  The  greater  part  of  the  area  has  a gentle  declination 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


40 

westward  from  Mt.  Penn  to  the  river  and  affords  superior  drain- 
age. The  river  at  the  foot  of  Penn  street  is  190  feet  above  the 
level  of  the  sea;  the  railroad  at  Seventh  and  Penn  streets,  265 
feet;  Penn  street  reservoir,  345  feet;  top  of  Mt.  Penn,  1110  feet, 
and  top  of  Mt.  Neversink,  800  feet.  The  territory  to  the  north- 
ward comprises  the  Schuylkill  valley,  and  that  to  the  westward 
the  Lebanon  valley.  The  view  from  Mt.  Penn  is  very 
picturesque,  and  that  from  Mt.  Neversink  on  the  south  is 
•equally  so.  They  overlook  about  800  square  miles  of  rolling 
farming  country. 

Sewers. — In  1893,  the  West  system  of  house  sewers  was 
adopted  by  Councils.  The  city  was  divided  into  eight  districts, 
and  numbers  1 and  2 were  constructed  at  the  cost  of  the  abut- 
ting property  holders.  The  pumping  station  was  erected  at  the 
foot  of  Sixth  street  at  a cost  of  $105,000;  and  the  disposal  plant 
miles  below  Reading  along  the  west  bank  of  the  river  at  a 
cost  of  $130,000,  which  was  paid  by  the  city  without  increasing 
the  tax  rate.  The  sewage  is  purified  to  99  per  cent.  Work  is 
now  being  done  on  No.  3 district.  The  cost  of  the  three  dis- 
tricts will  amount  to  $200,000. 

The  first  storm  water  sewer  was  constructed  gradually  in 
small  sections  from  the  foot  of  Court  street  to  Buttonwood, 
to  Eighth,  to  Walnut,  and  to  Eleventh,  the  beginning  having 
been  made  forty  years  ago.  The  Bassett  system  was  adopted 
by  Councils  in  1888.  In  1897,  the  North  Reading  sewer  was 
made  out  of  concrete,  in'  oval  shape,  starting  at  Eleventh  and 
Douglass,  and  ending  at  the  river  near  the  Carpenter  Steel 
Works,  a distance  of  two  miles.  The  dimension  at  the  east  end 
begins  at  5 feet  and  ends  at  the  west  end  at  14  feet.  The  depth 
below  the  surface  varies  from  10  to  25  feet.  It  is  now  the  largest 
and  longest  concrete  sewer  in  America.  The  total  cost  was  over 
$200,000,  paid  mostly  by  a loan  granted  by  a vote  of  the 
electors. 

Ferries  and  Bridges. — The  ford  was  used  in  crossing  the 
Schuylkill  for  many  years;  then  a ferry  was  introduced  to  facili- 
tate passage  to  and  fro.  In  1795,  the  first  steps  were  taken  to 
establish  a bridge  at  this  point;  and  repeated  and  persistent 
efforts  were  made  by  legislation,  lottery  schemes,  and  county 
appropriations  for  twenty  years  before  this  great  improvement 
was  accomplished.  A roofed  wooden  structure  became  passable 


BRIDGES. 


41 


in  1815;  and  it  was  finally  completed  in  1818.  The  cost  was 
$50,000.  It  took  the  name  of  “Harrisburg  Bridge”  from  the 
public  road  to  Harrisburg.  There  was  also  a ferry  at  the  foot 
of  Bingaman  street.  The  first  privilege  was  granted  by  the 
Penns  to  a man  named  Levan,  and  it  was  continued  until  a 
roofed  wooden  bridge  was  erected  in  1831,  at  a cost  of  $10,000. 
It  took  the  name  of  “Lancaster  Bridge,”  being  on  the  road 
to  Lancaster. 

Toll  was  charged  at  both  bridges  until  1883,  when  they  were 
declared  free.  The  subject  of  free  bridges  had  been  agitated  as 

early  as  1821,  and  in  1848 
a special  effort  was  made 
in  this  behalf,  but  without 
success,  b ec  a u s e the 
County  Commissioners  al- 
leged that  the  expenses  ex- 
ceeded the  income  by 
nearly  $30,000.  In  1882, 
the  City  Councils  took  the 
matter  in  hand,  and  by  ap- 
plication to  Court,  the  pur- 
pose was  at  last  accom- 
plished March  28,  1883, 
after  the  community  had  struggled  with  it  for  60  years. 

Both  bridges  were  swept  away  by  the  great  freshet  of  1850, 
and  immediately  rebuilt.  In  1876,  the  latter  was  destroyed  by 
fire,  and  an  iron  structure  was  erected  in  its  stead,  which  was 
the  first  large  iron  bridge  in  the  county.  And  in  1884,  a supe- 
rior iron  bridge  was  erected  in  place  of  the  former  at  a cost 
of  $100,000. 

The  first  bridge  across  the  Schuylkill  in  this  vicinity  was 
“Kissinger’s.”  It  was  on  the  road  to  Sunbury  through  Bern 
township.  An  Act  was  passed  in  1810,  authorizing  Ulrich 
Kissinger  to  erect  and  maintain  a toll  bridge  at  that  point  where 
this  road  crossed  the  river,  and  he  then  put  up  a chain  bridge  in 
two  spans.  A covered  wooden  bridge  was  substituted  in  1830. 
This  was  also  swept  away  by  the  freshet  of  1850,  and  rebuilt. 
It  was  known  for  many  years  as  “Bushong’s,”  and  last  as 
“Ahrens’.”  The  Schuylkill  avenue  bridge  near  by  was  erected 
by  the  County  Commissioners  in  1893  to  take  its  place. 


PENN  STREET  (HARRISBURG]  BRIDGE. 


42 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


The  Lebanon  Valley  railroad 
bridge  was  erected  in  1857,  and  it 
was  then  regarded  as  one  of  the 
finest  structures  in  the  State.  It  was 
destroyed  by  fire  by  the  rioters  in 
July,  1877,  and  rebuilt  by  the  com- 
pany. The  Wilmington  and  North- 
ern railroad  bridge  was  erected  in 
1874;  the  Pennsylvania  Schuylkill 
Valley  in  1884;  and  the  Reading 
and  Southwestern  in  1891.  Alto- 
gether seven  fine  bridges  span  the 
river  within  a distance  of  three  miles. 

Schuylkill  River.  — T he  river 
Schuylkill  is  a prominent  feature  of 
Reading,  and  has  always  contributed 
many  advantages  to  the  place.  In 
respect  to  carrying  away  the  surface 
drainage  from  all  the  streets,  its 
value  has  been  incalculable.  Its 
improvement  for  navigation-  was  a 
subject  for  the  inhabitants  as  early 
as  1807,  when  a society  was  formed 
for  this  purpose.  It  was  forded  un- 
til about  the  time  when  the  borough 
was  erected,  then  the  ferries  were  in- 
troduced, and  these  were  carried  on 
until  the  two  bridges  were  built. 

Freshets. — The  freshets  of  this 
water-course  occupy  a noteworthy 
place  in  local  history  for  over  100 
years.  The  most  important 
of  them  occurred  in  1757, 

1786,  1822,  1839,  1841, 

1850,  1862  and  1869.  The 
one  which  caused  the  most 
damage  was  in  1850,  when 
the  water  rose  25  feet  above 
its  ordinary  level,  nearly  6 
feet  higher  than  the  great  freshet  of  1786. 


BINGAMAN  STREET  (LANCASTER)  BRIDGE; 


READING  POST  OFFICE  BUILDING. 


PUBLIC  PARKS. 


43 


Fire  Cornpany  Buildings. — For  many  years  the  fire  compa- 
nies owned  the  buildings  in  which  they  kept  their  apparatus, 
but  when  the  city  began  to  appropriate  liberal  sums  annually  for 
maintaining  them,  it  became  the  owner  of  all,  excepting  that  of 
the  Liberty  Fire  Company.  The  buildings  number  twelve. 
They  are  all  substantial  structures,  finely  furnished. 

City  Hall. — There  was  no  separate  building  for  town  officials 
until  1870.  A city  hall  (three-storv  brick  building)  was  then 
erected  at  Fifth  and  Franklin  streets  to  supply  at  one  place  a 
“lock-up,”  city  offices  and  council  chambers,  costing  $26,000. 
Previously  the  Councils  met  in  the  court  house. 

Public  Parks. — Penn  Common  was  reserved  by  the  Penns  for 
the  dwellers  of  the  town  when  the  plan  was  laid  out.  But  it 
was  not  improved  for  park  purposes  until  1878;  then  certain 
property  holders  near  Eleventh  and  Penn  streets  raised  over 
$6000  by  voluntary  contributions,  and  the  small  triangular  por- 
tion adjoining  Perkiomen  avenue  and  Hill  road  was  enclosed. 
In  1884,  legal  proceedings  were  instituted  by  Councils  to  re- 
cover possession  of  the  entire  tract  (50  acres)  from  the  County 
Commissioners.  The  Court  refused  to  award  a writ  of  man- 
damus to  compel  them  to  execute  a deed  to  the  city  for  the  land, 
but  the  Supreme  Court  ordered  it  to  be  done,  and  the  transfer 
was  made  in  1886.  Then  Councils  established  a park  commis- 
sion, and  annual  appropriations  have  been  made  since  that  time  for 
its  improvement.  Until  1898,  about  $120,000  was  expended. 
Besides  Penn  Common,  the  city  owns  Mineral  Spring  park,  a 
tract  of  47  acres,  which  has  also  been  beautified  by  annual  ap- 
propriations, exceeding  $10,000. 

Post  Office. — The  post  office  was  established  at  Reading  in 
1793.  Since  then  there  have  been  seventeen  postmasters.  The 
letters  were  called  for  until  1835,  then  they  began  to  be  de- 
livered by  private  enterprise  at  a cent,  and  subsequently  two 
cents,  a letter.  This  practice  continued  until  the  free  delivery 
system  was  introduced  in  1864.  Mail  boxes  were  put  up  in  1864 
for  dropping  letters  to  be  collected  by  carriers,  and  boxes  and 
carriers  were  increased  as  demands  required.  The  money  order 
system  was  introduced  in  1864;  postal  cards  in  1873;  two-cent 
postagq  in  1883;  and  the  special  delivery  of  letters  in  1885.  In 
1897,  there  were  182  boxes  and  35  carriers.  In  1887,  the  U.  S. 
government  erected  a fine,  large  building  for  a permanent  post- 


44 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


office.  The  department  took  possession  Sept.  i6,  1889.  The 
total  cost  was  $180,000.  Present  postmaster,  J.  S.  Thompson. 

Cemeteries. — From  the  beginning  of  Reading  until  1846,  in- 
terments were  made  in  burying  grounds  which  adjoined  the 
several  churches;  then  a cemetery  was  established  by  Charles 
Evans.  He  was  authorized  by  law  to  organize  a company  for 
its  perpetual  management,  and  when  this  was  done  he  trans- 
ferred to  the  “Charles  Evans  Cemetery  Co.”  a tract  of  25  acres 
in  the  northern  section  of  the  city,  with  the  buildings  thereon 
erected,  representing  an  expenditure  of  $84,000.  The  present 
area  embraces  127  acres,  lots  laid  out  number  4982,  and  those 
sold  4500;  and  burials  to  1898,  20,300.  A fine  bronze  statue 
of  the  founder  stands  inside,  facing  the  entrance.  Many  costly 
monuments  have  been  erected,  the  most  prominent  being  the 
“Soldiers’  Monument”  in  granite,  and  “Christ  on  the  Cross” 
in  Italian  marble. 

In  1849,  two  cemeteries  were  laid  out  and  established  on  the 
northern  slope  of  Mt.  Neversink,  the  “Trinity  Lutheran”  by 
the  congregation  of  that  name,  and  the  “Roman  Catholic”  by 
St.  Peter’s  congregation.  And  in  1851,  the  “Aulenbach”  was 
laid  out  along  the  southeast  border  of  Reading.  When  these 
cemeteries  were  established,  burials  in  them  were  encouraged, 
and  the  remains  of  numerous  persons  in  the  different  burying 
grounds  were  transferred  to  them. 

Turnpikes. — Turnpikes  were  projected  along  the  prominent 
high-ways  which  extended  to  the  north,  to  the  southeast  and  to 
the  west  of  Reading  to  enable  business-men,  farmers  and  travel- 
ers to  carry  on  intercourse  more  quickly  with  near  and  distant 
places.  In  1805,  the  Centre  Turnpike  Company  was  incorpo- 
rated to  maintain  a turnpike  on  the  road  to  the  north,  leading  to 
Sunbury,  and  before  1812  it  was  completed.  Tolls  were  col- 
lected until  1884,  when  it  was  abandoned  and  the  charter  for- 
feited. In  1810,  another  was  incorporated  for  a turnpike  south- 
east to  Perkiomen  Mills  and  Philadelphia;  which  was  completed 
in  1814,  and  has  been  conducted  ever  since.  And  in  1805,  a 
third  was  incorporated  for  a turnpike  west  to  Harrisburg;  which 
was  finished  in  1817,  and  has  been  conducted  until  now.  Their 
connection  with  and  value  to  Reading  are  not  fully  appreciated  at 
this  time,  but  for  fifty  years,  from  1810  to  i860,  they  contrib- 


ENTRANCE  OF  CHARLES  EVANS  CEMETERY. 


CANALS  AND  RAILROADS. 


45 


uted  a great  deal  towards  its  prosperity.  To  the  stage  business 
they  were  indispensable. 

Stage-Coaches. — The  stage-coach  was  introduced  as  the  first 
public  conveyance  at  Reading  in  1789  by  Martin  Hausman.  It 
made  weekly  trips  to  and  from  Philadelphia,  distance  51  miles; 
fare  $2;  letters  3d.  The  round  trip  was  made  in  two  days. 
William  Coleman  became  the  owner  of  the  line  in  1791,  and 
from  that  time  for  70  years  the  Coleman  family  was  prominently 
identified  with  the  stage  enterprise  at  Reading  and  in  Eastern 
Pennsylvania.  This  business  was  active  for  a long  time, 
especially  from  1810  to  1858;  but  it  was  discontinued  as  the 
railroads  were  extended  in  different  directions  from  Reading. 
Six  stage  lines  still  carry  passengers,  merchandise  and  mail  as 
follows: — northwest  to  Krick’s  Mill,  Bernville  and  Millersburg; 
south  to  Angelica  and  Terre  Hill;  east  to  Boyertown,  to  Pike- 
ville,  and  to  Shanesville. 

Canals. — The  canal,  as  a means  of  transportation  to  and  from 
Reading,  was  started  in  1811.  It  was  constructed  along  the 
Tulpehocken  creek  to  its  source,  and  thence  along  the  Swatara 
creek  to  the  Susquehanna  river,  being  finished  in  1828.  It  was 
known  as  the  Union  Canal.  The  first  suggestion  of  a canal  by 
this  route  was  made  by  William  Penn  in  1690,  and  the  first 
legislation  in  Pennsylvania  in  that  behalf  was  enacted  in  1791. 
It  was  very  prosperous  for  a time,  and  many  boats  ran  to  and 
fro,  carrying  lumber,  merchandise  and  passengers,  but  railroad 
competition  caused  it  to  be  abandoned. 

The  Schuylkill  Canal  was  constructed  along  the  Schuylkill 
river  from  Pottsville  to  Philadelphia,  especially  for  transporting 
coal.  It  was  begun  in  1817  and  completed  in  1822;  and  it  was 
successfully  carried  on  for  over  50  years.  It  is  now  controlled 
by  the  P.  & R.  R.  Company  but  little  used. 

Steam  Railroads. — Railroads  were  extended  in  directions  to 
correspond  with  the  public  roads;  southeast  to  Philadelphia,  58 
miles,  in  1838;  northwest  to  Pottsville,  35  miles,  in  1842;  west 
to  Harrisburg,  54  miles,  in  1858;  northeast  to  Allentown,  35 
miles,  in  1859;  southwest  to  Lancaster,  42  miles,  and  to  Colum- 
bia, 46  miles,  in  1864;  south  to  Wilmington,  72  miles,  in  1874; 
and  north  to  Slatington,  44  miles,  in  1874.  The  “West  Read- 
ing” was  constructed  in  1863,  from  the  “Lebanon  Valley”  via 
Third  street  to  and  along  Canal  street  to  accommodate  the 


46 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


numerous  enterprises  in  the  western  section  of  the  city.  It  was 
operated  by  the  company  for  io  years;  then  transferred  to  the 
Philadelphia  and  Reading  Railroad  Company. 

The  P.  & R.  R.  Co.  operate  all  the  lines  concentrating  at 
Reading,  excepting  the  Wilmington  and  Northern  railroad  and 
the  Pennsylvania  Schuylkill  Valley  railroad.  The  passenger 
station  was  located  at  Seventh  and  Chestnut  streets  from  1838  to 
1873,  when  it  was  removed  to  the  “Junction”  where  the  Leba- 
non Valley  railroad  and  East  Penn  railroad  connect  with  the 
P.  & R.  railroad,  a commodious  two-story  brick  structure 
having  been  erected  by  the  company  to  accommodate  the  in- 
creasing traffic  and  facilitate  the  transfer  of  passengers  and  bag- 
gage. The  volume  of  business  is  enormous.  [See  Chapter 
II.— P.  and  R.  R.  Co.  Works.] 

The  Pennsylvania  Schuylkill  Valley  railroad  was  extended 


PENNSYLVANIA  SCHUYLKILL  VALLEY  RAILROAD  STATION. 


along  the  Schuylkill  river  from  Philadelphia  to  Reading  in  1884, 
and  to  Pottsville  in  1885.  It  is  under  the  control  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Railroad  Company.  A grand  banquet  was  given  to 
the  officials  of  the  company  by  the  Reading  Board  of  Trade  at 
the  Mansion  House  on  January  17,  1885,  to  signalize  the  open- 


STREET  RAILWAYS. 


47 


mg  of  the  road  and  the  connection  of  Reading,  as  a manufac- 
turing centre,  with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Co.  system. 
During  1897,  the  company  carried  nearly  200,000  passengers 
from  and  to  Reading.  The  daily  passenger  trains  arriving  and 
departing  number  16;  freight  trains,  7,  and  coal  trains,  14. 
The  employees  at  Reading  number  158.  The  total  number  of 
freight  cars  handled  for  the  year  was  over  27,000;  the  inbound 
freight  received  was  nearly  120,000  tons,  and  the  outbound 
nearly  35,000. 

Street  Railways. — In  1873,  a company  was  organized  to 
maintain  a street  railway  on  Sixth  street  from  Canal  to  Robeson 
and  the  cemetery,  which  was  laid  in  1874;  and  in  the  same  year 
another  to  maintain  a line  on  Penn  street  and  Perkiomen  avenue 
from  Front  to  Nineteenth,  which  was  also  laid  in  1874.  The 
former  was  carried  on  successfully,  but  the  latter  was  not,  the 
management  having  changed  several  times.  Extensions  were 
made  as  follows;  Cotton,  Ninth  and  Tenth,  South  Third  to 
North  Eleventh  via  Chestnut,  Fourth  and  Walnut,  in  1886; 
Fifth  and  Bingaman  and  Eighth  in  1888;  and  Mineral  Spring 
avenue  in  1889.  The  Reading  Traction  company  was  organ- 
ized in  1893;,  and  leased  the  two  lines  with  extensions;  and  in 
that  year  electricity  was  applied  as  a motive  power  for  moving 
the  street  cars. 

The  “East  Reading”  from  Ninth  street  to  the  Black  Bear  Inn 
and  Stony  Creek  was  constructed  in  1890,  the  Reading  Elec- 
tric Light  and  Power  Company  supplying  electricity  to  propel 
the  cars.  This  company  was  the  first  at  Reading  to  use  elec- 
tricity for  this  purpose.  The  “Reading  and  Womelsdorf  ” line 
was  laid  in  1894.  The  Reading  and  Temple  company  was  or- 
ganized in  1894,  and  its  track  was  laid  on  North  Fourth  street  to 
Spring  and  through  the  northwestern  part  of  the  city. 

The  United  Traction  company  was  organized  in  1895,  and 
leased  all  the  lines  mentioned.  It  operates  48  miles  of  track 
and  85,  cars,  and  employs  225  persons.  It  carried  during  1897, 
6,000,000  passengers.  Total  investment,  $3,500,000. 

The  Reading  and  Southwestern  Railroad  company  was  organ- 
ized in  1890,  to  operate  a railway  from  Third  and  Penn  streets  to 
Mohnsville,and  this  was  constructed  in  1891  with  an  electric  power 
plant  to  move  its  cars.  A branch  was  extended  to  Eleventh  and 
Penn,  and  to  Nineteenth  street  in  1894,  to  connect  with  the  Mt. 


48 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Penn  gravity  railroad.  In  the  same  year,  a steam  railroad  was 
constructed  from  the  terminus  at  Mohnsville  to  Adamstown. 

Mountain  Railroads. — In  1889,  the  Mt.  Penn  Gravity  Rail- 
road Company  was  organized,  and  in  1890  constructed  a rail- 
road from  the  east  end  of  the  street  car  lines  to  the  top  of  Mt. 
Penn  and  thence 
by  a circuitous 
route  to  the  point 
of  b e g i n n i n g, 
altogether  8 
miles  long.  The 
cars  are  drawn  to 
the  top  1 Y/z  miles 
by  a steam  en- 
gine, but  they 
descend  by  grav- 
ity 62/i  miles. 

In  April,  1898,  an 
electrical  equip- 
ment was  supplied  to  propel  some  of  the  cars  by  trolley.  A 
stone  tower  50  feet  high  is  at  the  top.  Total  elevation,  1200 
feet  above  the  sea,  and  1000  feet  above  Reading.  The  view 
from  this  tower  embraces  an  area  of  territory,  30  miles  square. 
Prominent  points  can  be  seen  in  the  six  adjoining  counties, 
Montgomery,  Chester,  Lancaster,  Lebanon,  Schuylkill  and 
Lehigh.  A large  pavilion  for  dancing  is  connected  with  the 
tower;  and  to  the  north,  near  by,  there  is  another  for  playing 
ten-pins,  shuffle-boards,  and  billiards.  Investment  $150,000:; 
number  of  cars  9,;  passengers  carried  for  1897,  76,000. 

The  Summit  House,  a three-story  stone  building,  was  erected 
in  1890,  near  the  tower,  by  Henry  and  William  Schwartz.  The 
railroad  in  descending  passes  four  other  resorts:  “Kuechler’s,  ” 

‘ ‘Steigerwald’s,”  “Spuhler’s,’ ’ and  “Mineral  Spring.” 

The  Neversink  Mountain  Railroad  Company  was  organized 
in  1889,  and  in  1890  the  company  laid  a track  8 miles  long 
from  Ninth  and  Penn  streets  around  and  across  the  mountain  to 
Klapperthal.  It  has  an  investment  of  $250,000,  operates  from 
three  to  seven  cars,  and  carries  from  June  to  October  about 
75,000  passengers.  Superior  views  from  different  points  over- 
look Reading  and  the  surrounding  country  for  many  miles. 


MT.  PENN  TOWER. 


TELEGRAPH  AND  TELEPHONE. 


49 


The  railroad  affords  easy  access  to  five  popular  resorts:  Never- 
sink  Hotel,  Centennial  Springs  Hotel,  Highland  House,  Glen 
Hotel,  and  White  House.  A power-house  was  erected  at  the 
Big  Dam  at  the  same  time  to  propel  the  company’s  cars  with 
electricity,  but  it  was  leased  to  the  Metropolitan  Electric  Com- 
pany which  now  provides  the  necessary  power  for  the  cars.  A 
fine  pavilion  for  dancing  was  erected  by  the  company  along  the 
road,  opposite  the  Highland  House. 

Telegraph. — In  1844,  the  telegraph  was  first  introduced  to 
transmit  messages  by  electricity  between  Washington  and  Balti- 
more. In  1847,  a company  was  organized  to  maintain  telegraph 
lines  between  Philadelphia,  Reading  and  Pottsville,  and  in  May 
of  that  year,  the  first  message  was  sent  to  Reading,  (this  relat- 
ing to  the  Mexican  war.)  It  has  been  maintained  since  that 
time  along  the  railroad.  As  other  railroads  were  constructed  in 
different  directions  from  Reading,  it  was  extended.  In  1879,. 
the  Western  Union  Telegraph  Company  effected  an  arrange- 
ment for  co-operation  and  since  that  time  this  has  been  carried 
on  successfully. 

This  company  has  at  Reading  40  distinct  wires  on  poles  with 
100  miles  of  wire,  and  transmits  and  receives  about  1000  com- 
mercial messages  daily,  this  of  course  not  including  the  business 
of  the  P.  & R.  R.  Co.,  and  newspaper  service.  In  1847,  the 
operators  numbered  3;  now  they  number  35.  The  office  at 
No.  14  North  Sixth  street  is  open  day  and  night.  It  is  supplied 
with  8 operators,  2 clerks,  and  10  messengers  who  are  mounted 
on  bicycles.  To  accommodate  the  increasing  business,  a “du- 
plex” of  the  largest  kind  was  introduced  in  1897  on  the  direct 
wire  between  Reading  and  New  York,  by  which  two  messages 
can  be  sent  over  the  same  wire  at  the  same  time  in  opposite 
directions.  Another  is  in  daily  use  between  Reading  and  Phila- 
delphia for  the  exclusive  accommodation  of  the  railroad  business. 

The  company  operates  at  this  office  55  self-winding  synchro- 
nizing clocks,  distributed  in  different  parts  of  Reading,  and 
regulated  hourly  by  observatory  time  from  Washington,  D.  C. 
In  1897,  a large  switch-board  was  introduced  to  meet  the  grow- 
ing demands  of  the  business.  The  general  superintendent,  L. 
Horton,  Jr.,  is  located  at  Reading.  A.  J.  Darlington  has  been 
connected  with  the  company  since  1865.  This  telegraph  com- 


50 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


pany  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the  oldest  in  continuous 
service  in  the  United  States. 

In  1880,  the  Lehigh  Telegraph  Company  was  organized  and 
formed  connection  with  Reading.  The  line  passed  through 
several  hands.  Now  it  is  known  as  the  Postal  Telegraph  Cable 
Company.  It  has  at  Reading  20  miles  of  wire,  3 operators, 
6 messengers,  and  transmits  and  receives  100,000  messages  an- 
nually. A.  P.  H.  Saul  is  the  manager  at  Reading. 

Telephone. — The  first  telephone  company  in  Pennsylvania 
was  organized  at  Philadelphia  in  1878,  and  in  1879  Henry  W. 
Spang  introduced  the  instrument  at  Reading.  Obtaining  from 
Councils  the  right  to  maintain  overhead  wires,  he  established  an 
-exchange  in  the  Eagle  building,  Sixth  and  Penn  streets,  in 
October,  1879.  He  began  with  10  instruments  and  after  carry- 
ing on  the  business  until  January,  1881,  he  sold  it  to  the 
East  Pennsylvania  Telephone  Company,  a corporation  duly 
authorized  to  operate  and  maintain  overhead  wires  in  Berks, 
Schuylkill  and  Lebanon  counties.  By  that  time  he  had  intro- 
duced 124  instruments  at  Reading,  74  at  Pottsville,  and  23  at 
Lebanon. 

In  December,  1882,  the  Pennsylvania  Telephone  Company 
became  the  owner,  and  then  removed  the  exchange  to  the  rear 
of  the  Keystone  Hotel,  second  floor,  (now  Hotel  Penn.)  Owing 
to  increasing  business,  and  requiring  larger  quarters,  it  was 
transterred  to  the  Times  building,  and  afterward  to  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Trust  Company  building,  fourth  floor,  when  the  service 
was  improved  at  great  expense.  By  1895,  the  wires  overhead 
had  become  so  numerous  that  the  company  prepared  to  put 
them  underground  where  most  numerous  in  the  central  part  of 
the  city,  and,  anticipating  this  undertaking,  purchased  a property 
at  Nos.  31-33  North  Fifth  street,  altered  it  to  meet  the  demands 
of  the  business  and  equipped  it  with  the  most  improved  electri- 
cal appliances. 

During  1895,  1896  and  1897  the  first  conduits  were  laid  along 
Fifth,  Court,  Penn  and  Cherry  streets,  together  measuring 
70,000  feet  and  containing  1000  miles  of  copper  wire,  (there 
being  8 cables,  each  comprising  202  wires.)  Reading  was  the 
third  city  in  Pennsylvania  where  wires  were  laid  underground, 
Pittsburg  being  the  first,  and  Philadelphia  the  second.  The 
company  took  possession  of  its  new  quarters  in  February,  1896. 


LIGHT  AND  POWER. 


51 


The  exchange  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  complete  in  the 
country. 

In  1879,  the  service  was  conducted  on  a single  iron  wire,  and 
the  longest  distance  over  which  a conversation  could  be  carried 
on  successfully  was  from  30  to  50  miles,  but  the  introduction  ot 
electricity  for  propelling  street  cars  and  for  public  lighting  ren- 
dered the  telephone  service  on  the  single  wire  system  practically 
useless,  thereby  threatening  the  future  existence  of  the  com- 
pany, and  the  company  was  therefore  obliged,  at  great  expense, 
to  substitute  the  two-wire  system,  which  necessitated  a recon- 
struction of  the  whole  plant  and  the  use  of  hard  drawn  copper 
wire  and  of  imported  superior  cedar  poles. 

The  Reading  Exchange  now  comprises  1000  subscribers,  850 
being  at  Reading  and  1 50  in  the  surrounding  districts  of  Berks 
county.  It  is  open  day  and  night  throughout  the  year;  em- 
ploys 15  operators  and  answers  from  13,000  to  15,000  calls 
daily.  The  entire  territory  of  the  company  embraces  16  coun- 
ties (14  in  Pennsylvania  and  2 in  New  Jersey,)  and  to  maintain- 
the  service  in  proper  condition  and  to  meet  the  demands  for 
extensions,  from  300  to  500  men  are  constantly  employed.  The 
company  has  altogether  nearly  5000  subscribers.  The  total 
number  of  subscribers  in  all  the  states  reached  by  the  long  dis- 
tance telephone,  from  the  lakes  to  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from 
Maine  to  Nebraska,  is  nearly  200,000. 

The  officers  of  the  company  are,  Francis  Jordan,  president; 
M.  A.  Buehler,  general  manager;  J.  H.  Crosman,  Jr.,  secretary 
and  treasurer,  with  headquarters  at  Harrisburg;  and  I.  J.  Lerch,, 
general  superintendent  with  headquarters  at  Reading,  who  has 
been  with  the  company  since  its  organization,  and  superinten- 
dent since  1888.  Gen’l  H.  S.  Huidekoper,  ex-postmaster  of 
Philadelphia,  one  of  the  directors,  has  shown  great  interest  in 
the  perfection  of  the  service  at  Reading  by  frequently  visiting 
the  place. 

Gas  Light. — The  inhabitants  of  Reading  used  tallow  candles 
and  oil  for  producing  light  during  the  first  and  second  periods  of 
its  history.  In  1848,  the  Reading  Gas  Company  was  formed 
for  introducing  gas,  and  it  supplied  many  dwellings,  stores, 
shops,  and  the  city  government  until  1885,  when  the  entire 
plant  was  leased  to  the  Consumers’  Gas  Company.  The  works 
are  situated  at  the  foot  of  Fifth  street.  In  1861,  a telescope 


52 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


gasometer  was  erected  with  a capacity  for  75,000  feet.  In  1873,  a 
distributing  telescope  gasometer  was  erected  on  Elm  street  near 
Fourth  with  a capacity  for  360,000  feet.  The  present  total  capac- 
ity of  the  gasometers  is  500,000  feet.  The  company  has  now  55 
miles  of  main  pipe,  and  6600  consumers.  Investment,  $1,100,- 
000;  average  number  of  men  employed,  60.  David  Fox  was 
superintendent  from  1857  to  J887;  and  John  H.  Keppelman  has 
filled  this  office  since  1887. 

Electric  Light  and  Power. — In  1883,  the  Reading  Electric 
Light  and  Power  Company  was  formed  to  supply  electric  light 
and  power  to  the  local  government  and  to  private  -consumers, 
and  then  established  a plant  at  Eighth  and  Cherry  streets,  where 
it  remained  for  some  years.  The  company  afterward  erected  a 
superior  power  house  on  south  Seventh  street  near  Chestnut, 
and  in  1894  leased  the  plant  to  the  Metropolitan  Electric  Com- 
pany, organized  shortly  before.  The  latter  company  largely  in- 
creased the  plant  and  equipment.  It  has  in  use  13  engines, 
whose  combined  horse  power  is  2875,  and  the  generators  have 
2242  horse  power.  It  supplies  the  city  with  400  arc  lights  and 
500  incandescent;  and  private  consumers  with  100  arc,  200  in- 
candescent arc,  and  15,000  incandescent.  The  total  investment 
is  $650,000.  This  company  supplies  all  the  power  necessary 
for  the  street  car  system,  excepting  the  R.  & S.  W.  R.  Co. 

Halls. — In  1846,  the  Odd  Fellows  erected  a building  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Fifth  and  Franklin  streets  to  provide  a meet- 
ing place  for  their  lodges  and  also  a large  hall  for  amusement 
purposes.  In  1868,  they  sold  it  to  the  Reading  Library  Com- 
pany. Several  other  halls  were  erected  during  the  succeeding 
25  years,  the  “Keystone”  at  Sixth  and  Court,  the  “Aulen- 
bach”  on  Penn  above  Sixth, ‘and  “Breneiser’s”  at  Eighth  and 
Penn,  having  been  quite  prominent  for  a time. 

Mishler’s  Academy  is  worthy  of  especial  mention.  It  stood 
on  the  north  side  of  east  Penn  square  from  1872  to  1886,  and 
was  the  first  large  and  complete  hall  in  Reading.  It  was  equal 
to  any  place  of  the  kind  in  Pennsylvania.  The  seating  capacity 
was  1800. 

There  are  numerous  halls  in  Reading  for  society  meetings,  but 
only  those  for  balls  and  amusements  can  be  mentioned.  For  balls 
— Library  Hall,  1846;  Msennerchor  Hall,  1874;  Deppen’s  Hall, 
1884;  Rajah  Temple,  1892;  The  Auditorium,  1895;  Masonic 


CHURCHES. 


53 


Temple,  1897.  For  amusements — Grand  Opera  House,  1873; 
new  Academy  of  Music,  1886.  The  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Hall  is  men- 
tioned with  the  associations. 

Private  Market  Houses. — In  1871,  three  large  private  market 
houses  were  substituted  in  the  place  of  the  public  buildings  on 
Penn  square: — South  Reading,  West  Reading,  and  Farmers’. 
In  1874,  two  more  were  erected: — North-east  and  Keystone; 
and  in  1884,  another,  Tenth  and  Chestnut.  In  1886,  the  Key- 
stone market  house  was  converted  into  the  Academy  of  Music, 
and  the  Fifth  street  market  house  substituted,  having  been  altered 
from  a skating  rink.  In  1894,  the  Tenth  and  Windsor  was 
erected,  and  in  1897,  the  West  Buttonwood  near  Schuylkill  ave- 
nue. There  are  now  eight  in  the  city.  The  Farmers’  has 
three  annexes  and  is  the  largest  in  Reading,  having  altogether 
414  stalls.  The  West  Reading  has  the  Potteiger  Annex. 

PART  III. CHURCHES,  SCHOOLS  AND  NEWSPAPERS. 

CHURCHES. 

Three  religious  congregations  were  organized  at  Reading  in 
1751,  Friends,  Lutherans  and  Reformed,  and  they  then  caused 
churches  to  be  erected.  The  last  two  still  maintain  their 
churches  in  the  same  locality  with  a large  membership.  The 
Roman  Catholics  began  in  1755,  and  the  Protestant  Episcopals 
in  1763.  These  and  other  congregations  together  have  contrib- 
uted an  influence  in  behalf  of  the  moral  and  social  welfare  of 
the  community  that  cannot  be  fully  measured.  The  major 
part  of  the  people  of  Reading  connected  with  the  seventeen 
denominations,  have  always  been  Lutherans  and  Reformed, 
these  two  having  twenty-five  congregations  of  the  sixty-five 
organizations,  and  the  Lutheran  denomination  having  the  largest 
number  of  members. 

There  are  fifteen  different  religious  denominations  at  Reading 
which  have  altogether  sixty-two  churches.  They  are  arranged  in 
the  order  of  priority,  and  the  year  mentioned  after  each  con- 
gregation signifies  the  time  when  it  was  organized.  Sunday- 
schools  are  conducted  with  the  several  congregations. 

Friends — Orthodox,  1751. 

Lutheran. — Trinity,  1751  ; St  Matthew’s,  1842;  St.  James’,  1850;  St. 
John’s,  (German)  i860;  St.  Luke’s,  1868;  Grace,  1878;  St.  Mark’s, 
1890;  St.John’s  Chapel,  1874;  Trinity  Chapels,  Peace  and  Hope,  1885; 
Faith  Chapel,  1885,  (Woodvale)  and  Bethany,  1896,  (West  Reading.) 


54 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Reformed—  First,  1751  ; Second,  1848  ; St.  John’s,  1871;  St.  Paul’s, 
1872.;  Zion’s,  (German)  1881;  St.  Stephen’s,  1884;  Calvary,  1888; 
Olivet,  1890;  St.  Thomas’,  1890;  St  Andrew’s,  1891  ; St.  Mark’s,  1891  ; 
St.  James’  (West  Reading)  1891  ; and  Faith,  1891. 

Roman  Catholic — St.  Peter’s,  1755  ; St  Paul’s,  1 German)  i860  ; St. 
Joseph’s,  1887;  and  St.  Mary’s,  (Polish'  1889 

Protestant  Episcopal. — Christ’s,  1763  ; St.  Barnabas,  1859  ; and  St. 
Luke’s,  1895. 

Presbyterian — First,  1811  ; Washington  street,  (colored)  1823  ; and 
Olivet,  1889 

Baptist. — First,  1828  ; and  Berean,  1879. 

Methodist  Episcopal — Fourth  street,  1828;  African,  1837;  St.  Peter’s, 
1848  ; Covenant,  1869  ; Memorial,  1893. 

Universalist — Church  of  our  Father,  1830. 

Evangelical — Salem,  1844;  Immanuel,  1861;  Ebenezer,  1870;  Home 
Mission,  1873;  St.  Matthew’s,  1883;  Trinity  United  Mission,  1889 ; 
Grace  United,  1894  ; First  United,  1895. 

United  Brethren. — Zion’s  Church  in  Christ,  1847;  Otterbein,  1867, 
Faith  Chapel,  1885  ; Salem,  1886  ; and  Boehm,  1891. 

Hebrew. — Temple  ‘ Oheb  Sbolom,”  1864;  and  Shomro  Habrith,  1888. 
Holiness  Christians. — Calvary,  1890 ; and  Rescue,  1893. 

Disciples  of  Christ. — First  Church,  1897. 

Heavenly  Recruits  — Beulah  Mission,  1894. 

Mission  of  Hope,  1897. 

Salvation  Army. — English,  1882  ; German,  1897. 


Early  Education. — Education  was  encouraged  at  Reading 
from  the  beginning  of  its  history.  It  was  carried  on  mostly  in 


connection  with  the  churches.  Two  of  the  earliest  teachers 
connected  with  the  Lutherans,  who  taught  for  many  years,  were 


SCHOOLS. 


FIRST  SCHOOL  HOUSE  AT  READING. 


SCHOOLS. 


55 


Joseph  Fleischer  and  Paul  Fuegner.  John  Philip  Foesig  was 
the  teacher  with  the  Reformed  for  over  fifty  years,  having  begun 
in  1751.  The  Trinity  Lutheran  school  at  Sixth  and  Washington 
streets  was  used  for  educational  purposes  for  nearly  one  hundred 
years,  1765  to  1855. 

The  Reading  Academy  was  a prominent  school  for  sixty- 
years.  It  was  incorporated  in  1788  and  given  aid  by  the  State. 


READING  ACADEMY  1838-I853. 


The  building  stood  on  the  south-west  corner  of  Seventh  and 
Chestnut  streets.  The  trustees  sold  it  in  1838,  and  then  erected 
another  at  Fourth  and  Court  streets,  (site  of  Girls’  High  School) 
which  was  occupied  as  a private  school  until  1853,  and  then  as  a 
public  high  school  until  1894. 

Commoyi  School  System. — The  Common  School  system  of 
1834  was  adopted  at  Reading  in  1836.  The  first  directors  were, 
however,  elected  in  1835.  Then  there  were  17  schools,  17 
teachers,  and  1439  scholars.  The  first  public  school  buildings 
were  erected  in  1838,  four  in  number.  The  illustration  given  on 
the  next  page  represents  the  building  at  Sixth  and  Walnut  streets. 


56 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


The  High  School  was  organized  in  1852,  and  the  co-education 
of  boys  and  girls  was  carried  on  from  1857  to  1881.  The  Boys’ 
High  School  was  erected  in  1883  at  a cost  of  $65,500,  and  the 
Girls’  (in  place  of  the  Reading  Academy)  in  1895,  at  a cost  of 
$1 10,000. 

The  revised  charter  of  1864  for  the  city  consolidated  the  five 
wards  into  one  district,  under  the  name  of  the  Reading  School 
District.  Each  ward  became  entitled  to  four  controllers,  with  a 
term  of  four  years;  and  two  were  to  be  elected  alternately  every 
two  years.  The  voters  at  the  biennial  elections  were  to  vote  for 
one  person,  and  the  two  persons  having  the  largest  number  of 
-votes  were  declared  elected.  This  provision  was  made  to  pre- 
serve political  equipoise  in  the  board.  The  first  members  were 
.elected  at  the  city  election  in  February,  1865. 


FIRST  PUBLIC  SCHOOL  HOUSE,  SIXTH  AND  WALNUT  STREETS. 


The  city  charter  of  1874  made  provision  for  school  affairs, 
but  it  was  not  accepted.  The  district  is  therefore  a separate 
■organization.  Under  the  provisions  of  the  Act  of  1864,  the  dis- 
trict is  authorized  to  assess  and  collect  taxes  for  school  purposes. 
The  management  of  the  school  affairs  by  the  board  since  then 
has  been  very  successful. 

A local  Normal  School  was  organized  in  1852.  The  City  In- 
stitute held  its  first  meeting  in  1885.  The  first  City  Superin- 
tendent was  elected  in  1867. 

In  1897,  there  were  40  buildings,  and  in  them  the  following 
grades  were  carried  on:  2 high  schools,  18  grammar,  39  second- 


boys’  high  school. 


girls’  high  school. 


iwm'i 


NEWSPAPERS. 


57 


ary,  27  advanced  secondary,  92  primary,  and  66  advanced 
primary,  total  244. 

Scholars  enrolled,  5588  male;  5542  female;  total  11,130. 
Average  daily  attendance  9,972.  Teachers,  8 male;  257  female. 
Total  investment  in  buildings,  furniture  and  supplies,  about 
$830,000.  Debt,  $69,000.  Annual  tax  levied,  $160,000. 

Private  Schools. — There  have  been  many  private  schools. 
Those  worthy  of  special  mention,  still  in  existence,  are  the  fol- 
lowing, the  year  after  each  indicating  when  started:  Reading 
Business  College,  1852;  Academy  of  Immaculate  Heart,  1859; 
Benade  School  for  Children,  1870;  Ruenzler  School  for  Chil- 
dren, 1877;  Carroll  Institute,  1880;  Stewart  Academy,  1881; 
Inter-State  Commercial  College,  1885.  There  are  four 
parochial  schools:  St.  John’s  German  Lutheran,  instituted  in 
1865;  St.  Peter’s  Roman  Catholic,  1859;  St.  Paul’s  Roman 
Catholic,  1869;  and  St.  Mary’s  Polish,  1895. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

The  newspapers  of  Reading  have  an  interesting  history  from 
1789  to  the  present  time. 

From  the  beginning  of 
the  town  until  1800, 
some  inhabitants  received 
the  Pennsylvania  Ga- 
zette, published  at  Phila- 
delphia, which  gave  them 
foreign  news,  and  events 
of  surrounding  places 
that  occurred  weeks  be- 
fore. Local  news  was 
not  reported.  An  occa- 
sional letter  from  Read- 
ing was  published;  but 
the  important  happen- 
ings, such  as  we  are  now 
accustomed  to  read 
daily,  were  not  noticed, 
for  they  were  communi- 
cated by  social  inter- 
course at  stores  and  tav- 
erns. The  population  having  been  limited,  this  was  easily  done. 


58 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Thence  the  news  was  carried  from  place  to  place.  But  as  the 
borough  became  a city,  with  its  territory  extended,  and  its  in- 
habitants widely  distributed  and  largely  increased,  the  natural 
way  grew  more  and  more  incapable  of  satisfying  the  inquisitive- 
ness of  the  people  and  an  artificial  way  had  to  be  provided. 
This  was  by  the  local  newspapers.  After  the  lapse  of  ioo 
years,  general  progress  had  come  to  be  so  wonderful  that  just  as 
the  natural  way  had  to  yield  to  the  artificial,  so  did  the  old  and 
slow  process  of  printing  on  a hand  press,  with  its  limited  capac- 
ity, have  to  make  way  for  the  new  and  spirited  process  by  a 
steam  perfecting  press,  with  its  unlimited  capacity.  In  the  be- 
ginning, the  newspaper  was  weak  in  every  respect,  small  in  size, 
limited  in  circulation,  uncertain  in  financial  support,  and  want- 
ing in  mental  vigor  and  originality,  but  now  it  is  strong,  rich, 

The  first  newspaper  at  Reading 
was  issued  in  1789,  but  did  not  con- 
tinue long.  It  was  printed  in  the 
German  language  and,  was  called 
Der  Neue  Unpartheiische  Read- 
inger  Zeitung  (The  new  Impartial 
Reading  Newspaper.)  The  next 
appeared  in  1796.  In  that  year 
several  were  begun  and  one  of  them 
has  been  published  until  now,  the 
Readmg  Adler.  Another,  the 
Weekly  Advertiser , was  published 
until  1816,  when  the  Berks  and 
Schuylkill  Journal  took  its  place. 
Afterward,  for  forty  years,  many 
were  issued  but  with  few  exceptions 
they  were  not  published  many  years. 
The  most  notable  of  these  have 
been  mentioned  in  a previous  part 
of  this  work,  [p.  21.]  They  were 
all  weekly  publications,  issued  on 
different  days  of  the  week,  but  mostly 
on  Saturday.  Until  1847,  the  daily 
newspaper  was  not  issued,  not  even  suggested.  The  popular 


bold  and  energetic. 


TIMES  AND  JOURNAL  BUILDING. 


The  Reading  Eagle  Building,  Southwest  Corner  Sixth  and  Penn  Streets,  Reading,  Pa> 


— 


NEWSPAPERS. 


59 


tion  was  about  12,000,  and  rapidly  increasing,  and  the  spirit  of 
enterprise  was  establishing  itself  effectually  amorigst  the  people. 
Various  industrial  establishments  and  building  operations  were 
carried  on  successfully; . the  daily  events  were  increasing  with 
the  advancement  of  the  place,  and  the  desire  to  know  them  at 
once  was  asserting  itself.  So,  just  as  the  stage-coach  and 
packet-boat,  through  the  energy  of  trading  and  traveling,  had 
to  make  way  for  dispatch  by  means  of  the  steam  car,  the 
weekly  newspaper  became  unsatisfactory.  Appreciating  this 
desire,  Abraham  S.  Whitman,  a practical  printer,  in  March, 
1847,  issued  a tri- weekly  newspaper,  entitled  The  Readhig 
Herald , but  he  discontinued  it  several  months  afterward.  In 
July,  1847,  J-  Lawrence  Getz  issued  the  first  daily  newspaper, 
entitled  the  Reading  Gazette , selling  it  at  two  cents  a copy,  or 
ten  cents  a week,  but  the  general  support  was  not  sufficient, 
and  he  suspended  the  issue  in  nine  days.  In  June,  1857,  he 
made  a second  effort,  but  this  also  proved  unsuccessful  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1858.  In  July,  1858,  J.  Robley  Dunglison  started  the 
Reading  Daily  Times  and  this  has  been  continued  until  now. 
The  associated  press  began  to  supply  Reading  with  telegraphic 
news  in  1869,  and  the  Times  was  the  first  newspaper  to  publish 
the  despatches. 

The  newspapers  and  periodicals  now  published  at  Reading 
number  27;  comprising  6 daily,  14  weekly,  and  7 monthly. 
They  are  as  follows,  the  figures  denoting  the  years  when  they 
respectively  began: 

English  Daily. — Times  and  Dispatch,  1858  ; Eagle,  1868;  Herald, 
1881  ; Telegram,  1887  ; Review,  1894. 

. German  Daily  — Post,  1868. 

English  Weekly. — Berks  and  Schuylkill  Journal,  1816  ; Eagle,  1878, 
(taking  the  place  of  Reading  Gazette  and  Democrat,  which  had  been 
issued  from  1840  to  that  time  ;)  Herald,  1881,  (taking  the  place  of  the 
Spirit  of  Berks,  issued  from  1876  to  1881  ;)  News,  1881 ; Democrat,  1894; 
Reformed  Church  Record,  1888 ; The  Advertiser,  1896. 

German  Weekly. — Adler,  1796;  Republikaner  von  Berks,  1868",  Ban- 
ner von  Berks,  1864  ; Reformirter  Hausfreund,  1867  ; Eiche,  1869. 

Sunday. — Die  Biene,  1867  ; Eagle,  1877. 

Monthly. — Litteratur  Blatt,  1883  ; Illustrated  Jugendblatter,  (Youths 
Leaves)  1885  ; Pennsylvania  Philatelist,  1891 ; Nineteenth  Century,  1891; 
Reformed  Church  Tidings,  1896  ; Brigade  Sentinel,  1897  ; The  Greater 
Reading.  1897. 


6o 


HISTORY  OP  READING. 


PART  IV ASSOCIATIONS. 

Associations  have  occupied  a prominent  place  in  the  social 
life  of  Reading  for  over  a hundred  years.  At  first  they  were 
few  in  number,  but  as  the  population  increased,  a desire  to  or- 
ganize bodies  of  various  kinds  and  for  different  purposes  mani- 
fested itself  more  and  more,  particularly  after  the  incorporation 
of  Reading  as  a city.  Then  the  secret  society  became  very 
active,  and  this  activity  has  been  kept  up  until  the  present  time. 
They  are  classified  and  treated  in  the  following  order: 

Military  Financial  Musical 

Protective  Industrial  Charitable 

Secret  Literary  Religious 

Professional 

MILITARY  ASSOCIATIONS. 

The  first  association  at  Reading  was  organized  in  1754  for 
purposes  of  defense  against  the  Indians.  It  was  during  the 
French  and  Indian  war,  which  affected  this  section  of  Pennsyl- 
vania from  that  time  until  1763.  Conrad  Weiser  was  the  most 
prominent  military  officer.  Small  companies  of  men  were  con- 
stantly quartered  here,  and  the  spirit  of  co-operation  was  shown 
until  peace  was  declared  and  the  Indians  departed. 

Associations  of  this  character  were  again  organized  in  1774, 
and  they  prepared  the  way  for  a long  and  costly  participation  in 
the  Revolution.  They  became  compulsory  in  1775  by  legisla- 
tion. The  system  which  was  established  during  that  trying- 
period  for  eight  years  was  preserved,  and  thereby  a military  spirit 
became  a noteworthy  feature  of  the  social  life  of  the  people. 
Whenever  a call  for  troops  was  made,  they  responded  with  such 
alacrity  as  to  be  among  the  very  first  of  the  Nation’s  defenders. 
We  can  mention  with  patriotic  pride  Nagel’s  company  of  rifle- 
men in  the  Revolution,  -Leoser’s  battery  of  artillery  in  the  Mexi- 
can War,  and  McKnight’s  battery  of  artillery  in  the  Civil  War. 

When  the  Civil  War  ended,  the  military  spirit  did  not  subside. 
Four  companies  were  kept  up  for  a number  of  years,  and  they 
became  a part  of  the  National  Guard  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
Reading  Artillerists  is  the  only  company  now  at  Reading.  The 
organization  was  formed  in  1794,  and  it  has  been  maintained 
ever  since.  The  captain  is  Samuel  Willits,  and  the  company  is 
A,  in  the  Fourth  Regiment,  Third  Brigade. 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


6l 

PROTECTIVE  ASSOCIATIONS. 

In  1773,  a society  was  formed  for  protecting-  the  community 
against  loss  from  fire.  It  was  called  the  Rainbow  Fire  Com- 
pany, and  has  kept  up  a successful  existence  since  that  time. 
Other  fire  companies  were  formed  subsequently  as  public  de- 
mands for  them  qrose,  and  they  comprise  the  volunteer  fire 
department. 

Companies . — The  following  list  embraces  all  the  fire  compa- 
nies at  Reading,  and  shows  the  date  of  organization,  and  mem- 
bership for  1897  : 


Name. 

Year. 

Mem- 

bers. 

Name. 

Year. 

Mem- 

bers. 

Rainbow 

1773 

700 

Washington 

1855 

217 

Junior 

1813 

700 

Keystone 

1856 

500 

Reading 

1819 

229 

Hampden 

1867 

220 

Neversink 

1829 

250 

Marion 

1884 

193 

Friendship 

1848 

720 

Riverside 

1890 

175 

Liberty 

1854 

651 

Schuylkill 

1892 

115 

Two  companies  were  organized  in  1897,  Mt.  Penn  and  East 
End,  but  they  were  not  recognized  by  the  Fire  Department. 
They  consolidated  in  1898,  under  the  name  of  Union  No.  13. 

Fire  Apparatus. — The  early  fire  apparatus  was  a hand  en- 
gine; and  water  was  carried  from  pumps  in  leathern  buckets  to 

supply  it,  until  the  water 
works  were  established  in 
1821.  The  hand  engine 
was  used  by  the  first  six 
companies  and  the  Hamp- 
den. The,  first  steam  en- 
gine was  introduced  in  i860 
by  the  Reading  Fire  Co., 
and  until  1872  the  other 
six  had  steam  engines  also. 
The  Keystone  and  Washington  use  “hook  and  ladder;”  all  the 
others  the  steam  engine.  The  apparatus  was  drawn  to  the  fire 
by  hand  until  1872,  then  horses  began  to  be  used,  the  Junior 
Co.  being  the  first  to  make  the  substitution.  A salvage  corps 
was  added  to  the  Keystone  Fire  Co.  in  1880. 

Firemen' s Union. — The  Firemen’s  Union  was  organized  in 
1861.  The  management  is  vested  in  a board  of  trustees, 
elected  annually,  each  company  being  represented  by  one  mem- 


62 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


b'er.  Howard  F.  Boyer  served  as  chief  engineer  of  the  fire 
department  from  1873  to  1885;  and  George  W.  Miller  since 
1885.  The  first  state  convention  of  the  Firemen’s  Association 
of  Pennsylvania,  held  at  Reading,  was  in  September,  1881,  and 
the  second  in  October,  1895.  On  both  occasions  there  were 
great  parades,  the  latter  having  been  particularly  distinguished 
for  the  great  number  of  companies  and  men  in  dine. 

Fire  Alarm. — Previous  to  1873,  the  alarm  of  fire  was  sounded 
on  the  largest  bell  of  Trinity  Lutheran  church  for  many  years 
until  1840;  then  upon  the  bell  of  the  court  house  for  a period 
of  33  years.  The  locality  of  the  fire  was  indicated  by  a number 
of  strokes  on  the  bell  to  correspond  with  the  ward  in  which  the 
fire  was.  Now,  the  alarm  is  given  on  the  following  seven 
bells  distributed  in  different  sections  of  Reading:  Rainbow 
tower,  Liberty  building,  Keystone  building,  Schuylkill  build- 
ing, First  Presbyterian  church,  St.  Thomas’  Reformed  church 
and  Olivet  Reformed  church.  Alarms  are  also  struck  in  the 
buildings  of  the  respective  fire  companies. 

During  1871  and  1872  there  were  numerous  false  alarms  of 
fire,  and  these  became  so  annoying  that  a remedy  had  to  be 
provided.  Henry  W.  Spang  advocated  the  Gamewellfire  alarm 
system,  and  through  his  efforts  Councils  adopted  it  in  1873. 
This  system  embraces  62  boxes,  distributed  in  7 circuits,  con- 
nected with  35  miles  of  copper  wire.  The  battery,  mechanical 
apparatus  and  switch  board  are  located  in  the  City  Hall. 

During  1897,  there  were  81  alarms,  (69  bell,  7 still  and  5 
false.)  Losses  from  fire  to  personal  property,  $12,588;  to  real 
estate,  $126,736. 

Equipment . — The  fire  department  at  Reading  now  comprises 
10  fire  engines,  2 hook  and  ladder  trucks,  3 chemical  engines, 
12  hose  carts,  14  extinguishers,  2 ambulances,  62  horses  and 
16,300  feet  of  hose;  active  firemen,  1600. 

SECRET  ASSOCIATIONS. 

The  secret  society  was  inaugurated  at  Reading  in  1780  by 
the  Free  Masons.  In  1838,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows was  instituted.  These  were  the  only  orders  here  when 
Reading  became  a city.  Since  then  numerous  others  have  been 
established  with  each  succeeding  decade;  and  each  order  has 
come  to  include  various  bodies.  Now,  there  are  altogether  30 
orders,  which  comprise  157  bodies.  Numerous  other  associa- 


ASSOCIATIONS, 


63 


MASONIC  TEMPLE, 


64 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


tions  have  been  organized  for  various  purposes,  such  as  athletic, 
political,  sporting,  musical,  literary,  social  and  beneficial,  num- 
bering altogether  60.  Besides  these,  there  are  over  70,  religious 
in  character  through  their  identification  with  the  different 
denominations. 

A brief  description  of  all  the  orders  can  not  be  attempted  in 
this  compilation  on  account  of  the  limited  space  allotted  to  this 
chapter;  only  the  oldest,  most  prominent  and  strongest  in  mem- 
bership will  be  mentioned. 

F.  and  A.  M. — In  1894,  Lodge  No.  62  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons  celebrated  the  centennial  of  its  institution,  and  caused  a 
souvenir  history  to  be  published.  The  order  embraces  five 
lodges  at  Reading,  with  1051  members.  These  lodges  and 
two  Royal  Arch  Chapters  with  569  members,  and  two  Knight 
Templar  Commanderies  with  550  members,  have  erected  a 
•superb  4-story  granite  front  Masonic  Temple  on  North  Fifth 
street  beyond  Washington,  at  a cost  exceeding  $100,000.  The 
first  Knight  Templar  State  Conclave  at  Reading  convened  in 
1872,  and  the  second  in  1895.  On  both  occasions,  the  event 
was  signalized  by  a superb  parade. 

I.  O.  O.  F. — The  first  lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  was  instituted  at  Reading  in  1838.  An  associa- 
tion was  incorporated  in  1845  for  erecting  a hall  for  use  of  the 
Odd  Fellows  and  all  other  benevolent  societies  of  the  place;  a 
lot  was  purchased  at  Fifth  and  Franklin  streets,  and  a four-story 
brick  building  was  erected  thereon.  At  the  dedication  on 
October  26,  1847,  dignitaries  of  the  Supreme  Lodge,  and  of 
the  Grand  Lodges,  of  the  order  of  this  and  other  states,  were 
in  attendance.  In  1880,  the  Grand  Lodge  met  at  Reading,  and 
again  in  1893.  At  the  latter  convention,  John  Wunch,  a resi- 
dent of  Reading,  was  elected  Grand  Master,  and  in  that  year 
he  laid  the  corner  stone  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Temple  at  Philadel- 
phia. Since  1847,  cmly  one  grand  parade  was  given  by  the 
order  at  Reading  and  this  was  in  1882.  In  February,  1898, 
there  were  at  Reading  9 lodges  and  1534  members. 

K.  G.  E. — The  first  castle  of  the  Knights  of  the  Golden 
Eagle  was  instituted  at  Reading  in  1885.  The  Grand  Castle 
convened  at  Reading  in  1886,  and  the  Supreme  Castle  in  1897. 
The  order  at  Reading  comprises  9 castles  with  2,000  members; 

3 commanderies,  300  members;  2 lady  temples,  150  members. 


ASSOCIATIONS.  65 

G.  A.  R. — The  following  societies  have  been  organized  at 
Reading  by  men  who  were  enlisted  in  the  Civil  War,  or  by  mem- 
bers of  their  families: 


SOLDIERS’  MONUMENT. 


McLean  Post,  No.  16,  instituted  1866;  members,  500;  and 
Women’s  Relief  Corps. 

Keim  Post,  No.  76,  instituted  1878;  members  100. 


66 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Meade  Camp,  No.  16,  Sons  of  Veterans,  instituted  1881; 
members  250;  and  Ladies’  Aid  Society,  No.  6. 

Union  Veteran  Legion  Encampment,  No.  43,  instituted  1889; 
members  200;  and  Ladies’  Auxiliary. 

Ladies  of  the  G.  A.  R.  instituted  1883;  members  128. 

Ringgold  Light  Artillery,  First  Defenders,  organized  at 
Reading  in  1892  with  the  four  other  companies  which  were  the 
first  to  respond  to  the  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  troop!  in 
1861. 

Through  the  efforts  of  the  members  of  the  two  Posts,  an  im- 
posing granite  soldiers’  monument  was  erected  in  Charles  Evans 
Cemetery,  and  dedicated  with  interesting  ceremonies  in  1887. 

P.  O.  S.  of  A. — The  Patriotic  Order  Sons  of  America  was 
instituted  at  Reading  in  i860,  and  has  come  to  be  the  strongest 
secret  beneficial  society  here,  comprising  14  camps,  with  a total 
membership  exceeding  3400.  In  June,  1888,  the  National  and 
State  Camps  held  their  conventions  at  Reading,  and  to  signalize 
the  extraordinary  occasion,  the  order  gave  a monster  parade, 
which,  in  respect  to  the  great  number  in  line,  and  to  the  public 
decorations,  exceeded  all  demonstrations  of  every  kind  thereto- 
fore given.  In  August,  1897,  the  semi-centennial  of  the  order 
was  celebrated  at  Reading.  The  first  camp  had  been  instituted 
at  Philadelphia  in  1847,  but  it  was  obliged  to  suspend  on  ac- 
count of  the  members  enlisting  in  the  Civil  War.  Camp  No. 
61,  at  Reading,  maintained  its  organization,  notwithstanding 
many  of  its  members  had  enlisted  also,  and  kept  the  order  in 
existence,  for  which  reason  Reading  was  selected  by  the  State 
Camp,  and  also  by  the  National  Camp,  as  the  proper  place  for 
the  celebration. 

I.  O.  R.  M. — This  society  was  established  at  Reading 
in  1854  by  the  name  of  Ancient  Order  of  Red  Men,  but  this 
was  changed  to  Independent  Order  in  1867.  It  now  comprises 
6 councils  and  1200  members;  also  2 auxiliary  councils  for 
women,  with  450  members. 

Jr.  O.  U.  A.  M. — The  Junior  Order  United  American  Me- 
chanics was  instituted  at  Reading  in  1867.  It  has  now  7 coun- 
cils and  1400  members.  For  some  years  past  it  has  been  noted 
chiefly  for  presenting  the  national  flag  to  the  school  authorities 
for  display  over  the  public  school  buildings. 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


67 


Other  Societies. — Other  secret  societies,  worthy  of  mention, 
with  the  time  when  fi'rst  instituted  at  Reading,  are  the  following: 
Order  United  American  Mechanics,  1847;  German  Order  of 
Harugari,  1849;  American  Protestant  Association,  1857; 
•dependent  Order  of  Good  Templars,  1858;  Brotherhood  of  the 
Union,  1864;  Knights  of  Pythias,  1867;  Knights  of  Friendship, 
1871;  Knights  of  Mystic  Chain,  1871:  Royal  Arcanum,  1880. 

Club  Houses . — Five  club  houses  have  been  established  at 
Reading:  Wyomissing,  1890;  Ivy  Leaf,  1891;  Independent 
Gun  Club,  1891;  Combine,  1891;  and  Nursery,  1892. 


FINANCIAL. 


Banks. — The  first  bank  at  Reading  was  established  in  1808. 
It  was  a branch  of  the  Pennsylvania  Bank  and  continued  until 
1857,  when  it  suspended.  Its  place  of  business  was  in  the 
building  now  occupied  by  the 
National  Union  Bank. 

The  next  was  the  Farmers’, 
organized  in  1814,  which  has 
been  continued  in  the  same  build" 
ing  where  it  started.  [See  p.  15] 

The  Eckert  family  have  been 
prominently  identified  with  it 
since  1836. 

The  following  list  embraces  the 
banks  at  Reading,  showing  the  time  of  organization,  capital 
stock,  &c.,  in  April,  1898,  all  being  national  banks,  excepting 
the  last  two,  which  are  state  banks: 


BRANCH  BANK  BUILDING. 


Year. 

Capital  Stock.  1 

Surplus  aud  undi-l 

Deposits. 

vided  profits. 

Farmers’ 

1814 

$400,020 

$480  473 

$ 969.092 

Union 

1857 

200,  < OO 

448.390 

1,034,117 

First  National 

1863 

250,000 

239,021 

575.265 

Keystone 

187  I 

100,000 

129.952 

443  370 

Second  Nat’l 

1881 

200,000 

202,254 

460,000 

Penn 

1883 

IOO  OOO 

■ iii,558 

580,900 

Reading- 

1893 

200,000 

120,294 

397-73° 

Citizens’ 

1888 

125,000 

48,500 

160,451 

Schuylkill  Val’y 

1890 

100,000 

72,927 

267,052 

|l,675,020 

11,853,369  . 

14,887,977 

B.  & S.  A. — The  building  and  savings  association  as  an  insti- 
tution for  the  acquisition  of  property  or  accumulation  of  money 


68 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


out  of  savings  by  working  people  was  organized  at  Reading  in 
1848,  and  it  has  been  kept  up  for  fifty  years.  At  least  fifty 
ran  out  during  this  period.  But  they  have  not  been  so  suc- 
cessful lately  owing  to  the  depressed  condition  of  the  times. 
Previous  to  1876,  the  associations  received  moneys  only  and 
made  them  profitable  on  mortgage  securities;  then  they  began 
not  only  to  erect  dwellings,  but  also  market  houses  and  business 
places.  In  1897,  there  were  53  associations  at  Reading. 

Insitrayice  Companies . — The  first  fire  insurance  company  in 
Berks  County  was  organized  in  1844,  and  the  first  at  Reading 
was  in  1867.  The  Reading  Fire  Insurance  and  Trust  Company 
was  incorporated  in  1868;  the  Trust  company  was  incorporated 
as  a separate  institution  in  1886,  and  since  then  the  Insurance 
company  has  carried  on  business  by  itself.  It  carries  policies  on 
properties  throughout  the  United  States  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  Assets,  $844,165;  surplus,  $551,064;  amount  at 
risk,  December  31,  1897,  $40,828,794.  S.  E.  Ancona  has  been 
secretary  and  treasurer  since  1868. 

The  Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Company  of  Reading  was 
organized  in  1870,  and  since  then  it  has  not  levied  a single 
assessment.  Its  insurance  extends  throughout  Pennsylvania, 
and  amounts  to  $4,500,000;  the  policies  number  20,000. 

Trust  Companies. — The  Reading  Trust  Company  was  incor- 
porated in  1886.  Stock,  $250,000;  assets  over  $500,000. 
Trust  officer,  Jos.  W.  Day. 

The  Pennsylvania  Trust  Company  was  incorporated  in  1886. 
It  erected  a superior  building  as  a place  of  business,  the  first 
five  story  structure  with  an  elevator  at  Reading.  Stock, 
$250,000;  assets  over  $1,000,000;  trust  funds  oyer  $300,000. 
Trust  officer,  D.  W.  Stehman. 

INDUSTRIAL. 

The  first  board  of  trade  at  Reading  was  formed  in  1807,  for 
the  purpose  of  considering  the  possible  navigation  of  the 
Schuylkill,  a number  of  prominent  men  having  at  that  time 
founded  an  association  under  the  name  of  The  Society  for 
Promoting  and  Cleaning  the  River  Schuylkill.  The  same  men 
were  interested  in  other  local  improvements,  such  as  turnpikes, 
canals,  bridges  and  railroads;  and  they' accomplished  great  good 
in  the  development  of  Reading. 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


69 


A second  board  was  started  in  1870,  but  it  had  a short  exis- 
tence. The  third,  which  is  the  present  board,  was  organized  in 
1881,  and  it  has  kept  up  a successful  existence,  accomplishing 
much  good  in  behalf  of  industrial  affairs.  The  first  steps 
towards  a proper  observance  of  Reading’s  Sesqui-Centennial 


were  taken  by  the  Board,  and  the  subject  was  agitated  by  the 
members  until  the  co-operation  of  City  Councils  was  obtained, 
and  a thorough  organization  for  that  purpose  effected.  Its 
meetings  were  held  in  different  buildings  on  Penn  square  for  a 
number  of  years.  Its  quarters  are  at  No.  25  north  Sixth  street. 


70 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


LITERARY. 

Libraries. — The  Reading  Library  was  organized  in  1808.  It 
contained  1000  volumes  in  1842,  and  1500  volumes  in  1850. 
A reorganization  was  effected  in  1868,  when  it  purchased  the 
Odd  Fellows’  hall.  It  was  made  free  January  1,  1898,  through 


READING  LIBRARY. 


the  liberality  of  twenty-three  men  who  each  contributed  $500 
towards  extinguishing  the  debt  on  the  hall.  The  present  num- 
ber of  volumes  is  about  9500. 

Reading  German  Library  was  organized  in  1808,  and  be- 
gan with  685  volumes.  Subsequent  additions  were  made  until. 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


71 


it  had  1500.  The  society  disbanded  in  1847,  an<^  the  books 
were  distributed  amongst  its  members. 

Berks  County  Law  Library  was  organized  in  1843  and  kept 
up  by  appropriating  certain  fines  allowed  by  law.  The  books 
are  arranged  in  three  compartments  on  the  second  floor  of  the 
court  house  between  the  two  court  rooms.  The  collection  of 
reports,  text  and  miscellaneous  books  number  3500. 

Harmonie  Maennerchor  Library  was  started  when  the  Read- 
ing Maennerchor  was  organized  in  1847.  The  nucleus  was  the 
collection  of  books  of  the  German  library,  which  disbanded 
about  that  time.  An  addition  of  1200  volumes  was  made  in 
1877  by  the  disbanding  of  the  Schiller  Verein.  The  present 
number  of  volumes  is  3200. 

Washington  Library. — A society  was  formed  in  1854  for 
social  purposes,  and  several  years  afterwards  it  was  named  the 
Washington  Library.  The  society  was  incorporated  in  1870; 
and  in  1876,  it  erected  a superior  three-story  marble  front  build- 
ing at  640  Penn  street,  the  second  and  third  stories  being 
handsomely  fitted  up  for  the  members.  It  possesses  a library 
of  500  volumes.  Property  investment  $25,000;  active  mem- 
bers 60;  contributing  members  100. 

Historical. — A historical  society  was  formed  in  1840,  but  no 
record  of  its  transactions  was  preserved.  In  1869,  a second 
society  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  Historical  Society 
of  Berks  County,  but  only  several  meetings  were  held.  From 
that  time  until  February,  1898,  nothing  was  done;  then  a reor- 
ganization was  effected  with  A.  G.  Green,  Esq. , as  president, 
and  George  M.  Jones,  Esq.,  as  secretary,  and  quarters  were 
secured  in  the  court  house,  third  floor,  for  its  meetings  and  for 
storing  its  papers.  Membership,  80. 

PROFESSIONAL. 

Medical. — A medical  society  was  organized  at  Reading  in 
1824.  It  was  the  second  society  of  this  nature  formed  in  Penn- 
sylvania, the  first  having  been  at  Philadelphia.  Dr.  Isaac 
Hiester  was  the  first  president  and  he  continued  to  fill  this 
position  for  twenty-five  years.  In  1849,  the  second  annual  con- 
vention of  the  State  Medical  Society  was  held  at  Reading,  and 
in  1891  another  was  held  here.  In  1866,  the  name  was  changed 
to  Berks  County  Medical  Society,  which  it  has  held  until  now. 


72 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


The  transactions  began  to  be  published  in  1896.  The  members 
number  75. 

The  Reading  Medical  Association  was  organized  by  physi- 
cians of  Reading  in  1850.  It  was  chiefly  instrumental  in  estab- 
lishing the  Reading  Dispensary,  and  the  Reading  Hospital. 
The  membership  is  43. 

Legal. — Men  learned  in  the  law  have  been  admitted  to  prac- 
tice in  the  several  courts  of  Berks  county  since  1752,  but  no 
society  was  organized  until  1867.  Then  the  Legal  Association 
of  Berks  County  was  established.  All  the  members  of  the  bar 
have  resided  and  continue  to  reside  at  Reading,  with  only  sev- 
eral exceptions. 

VOCAL  MUSIC. 

Beethoveyi  Society. — The  first  singing  society  at  Reading  was 
organized  about  1832.  It  was  called  the  Beethoven  Society. 
The  first  concert  was  given  in  the  “State  House”  which  was  a 
great  success.  Concerts  were  given  by  the  society  for  a number 
of  years  afterward. 

Harmonie  Maennerchor. — The  second  was  the  Reading 
Maennerchor,  organized  in  1847.  This  has  maintained  an  active 
existence  ever  since,  and  is  now  one  of  the  oldest  singing  so- 
cieties in  the  United  States.  The  first  National  Saengerfest  was 
held  at  Philadelphia  in  1850,  and  William  Rosenthal,  (then  liv- 
ing at  Philadelphia,  but  at  Reading  since  i860,)  was  the  presid- 
ing officer.  There  were  only  four  societies  in  attendance,  the 
Reading  Maennerchor  being  one  of  them.  The  first  Saenger- 
fest at  Reading  was  given  under  the  auspices  of  the  society  in 
1868.  It  was  attended  by  seventeen  German  singing  societies  and 
the  concerts  were  given  in  the  exhibition  building  of  the.  Agri- 
cultural Society  (then  adjoining  the  Berks  county  jail.)  In 
1874,  the  Harmonie  Maennerchor,  (which  was  organized  in 
1866,)  consolidated  with  the  Reading  Maennerchor,  and  the 
former  name  was  adopted.  In  1878,  the  society  secured  quar- 
ters in  the  large  structure  on  Sixth  street  near  Walnut,  on 
which  account  the  building  was  named  Maennerchor  Hall,  and 
there  the  society  has  remained  until  now.  In  1884,  the  second 
Saengerfest  was  given  at  Reading  and  it  was  attended  by  several 
thousand  Germans  from  different  parts  of  the  country.  The 
National  Saengerfest  at  Newark  in  1891,  at  New  York  in  1894, 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


73 


and  at  Philadelphia  in  1897,  were  attended  by  the  society  and 
the  members  acquitted  themselves  most  creditably,  being  tenth 
amongst  thirty-seven  competing  societies  at  the  last  named  and 
winning  a prize.  The  third  Saengerfest  at  Reading  was  in 
1892,  known  as  the  “First  Pennsylvania  Saengerfest,”  because 
only  societies  from  the  State  were  allowed  to  participate.  On 
August  5,  1897,  the  society  celebrated  its  fiftieth  anniversary, 
there  being  present  many  delegations  from  German  singing  so- 
cieties from  the  eastern  and  middle  states,  besides  delegations 
from  all  the  German  societies  at  Reading.  The  active  member- 
ship is  32 ; contributing,  300. 

Reading  Musical  Society. — The  third  musical  society  was 
formed  in  1855  by  H.  D.  Torrey,  an  artist,  and  named  the  Read- 
ing Musical  Society.  Annual  concerts  were  given  and  the  or- 
ganization was  maintained  until  i860. 

Mozart  Musical  Union. — The  fourth  was  formed  by  James 
M.  Lyons  in  1862.  It  was  called  the  Mozart  Musical  Union. 
Concerts  were  given  annually  here  and  elsewhere  until  1872. 

Reading  Choral  Society. — In  1875,  Prof.  Edward  A.  Berg 
organized  the  fifth,  by  the  name  of  Reading  Choral  Society. 
It  participated  in  the  May  Musical  Festival  at  New  York  City 
in  1882,  which  was  given  under  the  leadership  of  Theodore 
Thomas.  The  grand  chorus  comprised  3500  voices,  and  in 
rendering  one  of  the  pieces  on  the  program,  the  tenor  part  was 
sustained  by  the  Reading  Choral  members  so  effectually  as  to 
win  the  special  commendation  of  Thomas  himself.  The  society 
was  represented  on  that  occasion  by  103  members.  Numerous 
concerts  were  given  by  the  society  at  great  expense,  at  which 
nearly  all  the  renowned  oratorios  were  rendered.  The  members, 
numbering  119,  reorganized  in  October,  1897,  and  participated 
in  the  Eisteddfod  at  Allentown,  Pa.,  on  Thanksgiving  Day, 
where  they  won  four  cash  prizes:  mixed  chorus,  female  chorus, 

soprano  solo  by  Evelyn  Essick,  and  alto  solo  by  Hannah 
Yoder.  Prof.  E.  A.  Berg  was  the  musical  director. 

Reading  Liederkranz  was  organized  in  1885.  Its  first  festival 
was  held  in  Deppen’s  Hall  in  1890;  on  which  occasion,  German 
societies  were  in  attendance  from  Reading,  Pottsville,  Allentown 
and  Wilmington.  In  1891  its  quarters  were  established  in 
Library  Hall.  In  1894  the  society  participated  in  the  singing 


74 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


contest  at  Allentown  and  won  the  first  prize,  scoring  the  highest 
number  of  points.  Membership,  200. 

INSTRUMENTAL  MUSIC. 

The  first  brass  band  at  Reading  was  organized  in  1814. 
From  that  time  until  1852,  several  bands  flourished  for  a while, 
the  Reading  Military  Band  and  afterward  the  Mechanics’  Brass 
Band,  having  been  quite  prominent. 

Ringgold  Band. — In  1852,  eighteen  men  of  Reading,  who 
were  mostly  mechanics  but  fond  of  instrumental  music,  asso- 
ciated together  and  organized  a band,  which  they  named  the 
Ringgold  Brass  Band,  after  the  Ringgold  Light  Artillery, 
of  which  the  men  were  members.  John  A.  Hook  was  the 
leader.  When  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  its  services  were  ten- 
dered to  the  government.  Mr.  Hook  was  still  the  leader,  but 
nearly  all  the  other  original  members  had  withdrawn.  It  was 
connected  with  the  25th  Regiment,  P.  V. , and  served  the  term 
of  its  enlistment,  three  months.  Joseph  Winter  became  the 
musical  director  in  1868,  and  he  has  filled  this  position  ever  since. 
It  accompanied  the  State  Fencibles  of  Philadelphia  to  the  cen- 
tennial celebration  of  Bunker  Hill;  and  by  special  request  ot 
the  commissioners,  it  participated  in  the  opening  ceremonies  of 
the  Centennial  at  Philadelphia  in  1876.  In  1878,  it  took  part 
in  the  centennial  celebration  at  Valley  Forge.  In  1881,  it  was 
attached  to  the  1st  Brigade,  N.  G.  P. , with  35  members;  and  in 
that  year  it  was  detailed  to  accompany  a provisional  brigade  as 
an  escort  to  the  Governor  and  members  of  the  Legislature  at 
the  centennial  celebration  at  Yorktown,  Va.  In  1888,  it  par- 
ticipated in  the  100th  anniversary  of  constitutional  government 
at  New  York  city;  in  1896,  in  the  centennial  celebration  at 
Huntingdon,  Pa.;  and  in  1897,  in  the  centennial  celebration  at 
Waynesboro,  Pa.  Besides  these  great  occasions,  it  led  politi- 
cal clubs  in  parades  at  nearly  all  the  inaugurations  of  the  presi- 
dents of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  governors  of  Pennsylvania 
since  1852.  The  band  now  numbers  40  members. 

Germania  Band. — The  Germania  band  was  organized  in  1887 
with  18  members  and  Prof.  Monroe  A.  Althouse  as  leader.  It 
has  been  very  popular,  especially  with  the  several  fire  compa- 
nies and  the  Knights  Templar  of  Reading,  attending  the  state 
tournaments  of  the  former,  and  the  national  and  state  conclaves 


ASSOCIATIONS.  75 

of  the  latter.  It  also  accompanied  various  bodies  on  trips  to 
prominent  cities  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States. 

Liberty  Cornet  Band  was  first  organized  in  1882  with  26 
members,  and  Prof.  O.  H.  Unger  as  leader.  It  was  reorgan- 
ized in  1895  with  25  members  and  Prof.  O.  F.  Kauffman,  leader. 

Independent  Drum  and  Flute  Corps  was  organized  in  1890 
with  14  members.  It  has  now  22  players,  comprising  flutes, 
piccolos,  tenor  and  bass  drums,  and  cymbals.  Prof.  Geo.  A. 
Homan  is  musical  director. 

Other  Bands. — The  other  musical  bands  now  at  Reading  are 
Athletic,  Riverside  and  Boys’  Brigade;  and  drum  corps,  Big 
Six,  and  Boys’  Brigade;  these,  however,  are  of  recent  origin. 

CHARITABLE. 

Soup  Society. — The  first  public  association  for  indigent  per- 
sons of  Reading  was  formed  in  1823.  Owing  to  the  construc- 
tion of  the  Schuylkill  canal  much  sickness  and  distress  arose  in 
numerous  families  at  Reading,  and  also  along  the  canal  to  the 
county  line  beyond  Birdsboro.  It  was  called  a “soup  society,” 
and  much  relief  was  afforded.  After  the  prevailing  epidemic 
subsided  the  society  disbanded. 

Benevolent  Society. — In  1835,  the  Reading  Benevolent  Society 
was  established.  The  first  annual  meeting  was  held  on  January 
1,  1836,  and  annual  meetings  have  been  held  regularly  ever 
since.  The  regular  meetings  of  the  managers  were  held  in 
private  houses  until  1874;  since  then  the  building  of  the  Relief 
Society  has  been  occupied. 

Relief  Society. — In  1866,  the  Reading  Relief  Society  was 
organized  for  distributing  soup  to  the  poor.  It  co-operates  with 
the  Benevolent  Society.  In  1874,  its  fine  building  at  Franklin 
and  Plum  streets  was  erected. 

Bureau  of  Employment. — The  Bureau  of  Employment  was 
formed  in  1875  by  a number  of  women,  who  were  connected 
with  the  Benevolent  Society,  for  employing  deserving  and  self- 
respecting  women  at  sewing  and  paying  them  fair  prices  for 
their  work,  either  in  money  or  clothing.  Quarters  were  estab- 
lished in  the  Relief  Society  building.  During  the  first  winter, 
over  200  women  were  supplied  with  work.  The  following  sta- 
tistics show  the  work  accomplished: — wages  paid,  $10,000;  gar- 
ments exchanged  for  work,  900;  articles  made  up,  55,000;  ma- 


READING  HOSPITAL, 


ASSOCIATIONS.  77 

terials  purchased,  $10,000;  clothing  sold,  $12,700;  garments 
distributed,  5,144;  receipts  from  various  sources,  $7,600. 

Reading  Hospital. — A society  was  organized  in  1868  to  pro- 
vide medical  aid  to  the  indigent  sick  and  wounded  people  of 
Reading,  and  in  1869  it  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of 


ST.  JOSEPH’S  HOSPITAL. 


Reading  Dispensary.  In  1883,  this  name  was  changed  to  the 
Reading  Hospital.  Then  the  directors  raised  $25,000,  and  the 
State  appropriated  $20,000  towards  a building  which  was  erected 
in  1884  at  Front  and  Spring  streets,  which  was  opened  in  1886. 
An  addition  was  made  to  it  in  1890,  called  the  Wootten  Wing 
(John  E.  Wootten)  at  a cost  of  $20,000,  and  a Training  School 
was  erected  on  the  lot  for  student  nurses  in  1896,  by  the  efforts 
of  the  Ladies’  Auxiliary.  Annual  contributions  have  been  re- 
ceived from  the  State  since  its  erection.  The  medical  staff  is 
selected  from  the  Reading  Medical  Association  and  consists  of 
six  surgeons,  six  physicians  and  a resident  physician,  who  are 
elected  annually.  Total  cost,  $75,000;  total  number  of  cases 
treated,  3,730.  In  1897,  cases  treated  were  542;  prescriptions 
for  patients  in  hospital,  8,621 ; and  prescriptions  for  dispensary 
cases,  1,566. 


78  HISTORY  OF  READING. 

St.  Joseph's  Hospital. — In  1873,  the  Vollmer  property  at 
Twelfth  and  Walnut  streets  was  purchased  for  hospital  purposes 
by  Rev.  George  Bornemann,  and  a small  brick  dwelling  thereon 
was  placed  under  the  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis.  In 
1885,  a superior  large  brick  building  was  erected  costing  $60,- 
000,  and  in  1895,  an  addition  was  made  to  it,  costing  $85,000, 
all  paid  by  contributions  from  the  community,  solicited  by  the 
Sisters.  It  comprises  12  wards  and  28  private  rooms.  Total 
patients  treated,  5,865;  and  prescriptions  filled,  20,527.  Patients 
treated  during  1897,  673;  and  prescriptions  filled,  1,682.  The 
medical  attendance  is  supplied  from  the  physicians  at  Reading, 
the  staff,  (including  the  resident  physician,)  numbering  16. 

Homoeopathic  Hospital. — In  1888,  seventeen  women  started 
the  Homoeopathic  Hospital  and  Dispensary  Association,  and 


HOMOEOPATHIC  HOSPITAL. 

for  its  maintenance  funds  were  obtained  from  parlor  entertain- 
ments, donations  and  membership  dues.  The  demands  for 
treatment  increasing,  a board  of  trustees  was  organized  two 


ASSOCIATIONS. 


79 


years  afterward,  and  premises  126  North  Sixth  street  were  pur- 
chased for  $21,000.  The  building  was  completely  furnished  by 
the  Ladies’  Auxiliary,  and  the  hospital  was  formally  opened 
July  1,  1891.  During  the  first  six  months,  26  patients  were 
treated  in  the  hospital,  and  518  cases  in  the  dispensary;  and 
1,862  prescriptions  were  filled  gratuitously.  During  1897,  there 
were  41 1 patients,  1 , 298  dispensary  cases  and  4,694  prescriptions. 

Widows'  Home. — The  society  of  the  Home  for  Widows  and 
Single  Women  was  established  in  1874,  for  the  purpose  of  af- 
fording humane  and  charitable  relief,  assistance  and  support  to 
widows  and  single  women  of  Reading.  A building  was  rented 
for  a time;  then  a property  on  Eighth  street  near  Chestnut 
street,  in  which  a “Home”  was  established,  and  there  it  contin- 
ued until  1886,  when  it  was  removed  to  the  present  structure  at 
Sixteenth  and  Hawk  streets.  The  treasurer,  from  the  beginning 
until  now,  has  been  Susan  E.  Benson.  Rachel  E.  Griscom  was 
secretary  from  1874  to  1890;  and  Mrs.  Eliza  W.  Howe,  first  di- 
rectress from  1874  to  1895. 

Home  for  Friendless  Children. — The  Home  for  Friendless 
Children  began  as  a day  nursery  in  May,  1884,  under  the  auspi- 
ces of  the  Bureau  of  Employment  at  236  Franklin  street,  and  a 
widow  as  matron  and  five  children  were  then  placed  there. 
The  Home  becoming  too  small,  a lot  was  purchased  on  Centre 
avenue  near  Spring  street,  and  a fine  double  two-story  building 
erected,  which  was  dedicated  on  Thanksgiving  day,  1888.  The 
number  of  children  averages  from  35  to  40.  The  society  en- 
deavors to  secure  private  homes  for  these  children,  and  there 
they  are  kept  until  18  years  of  age. 

St.  Catharine' s Female  Orphans'  Asylum  was  founded  by  Mrs. 
Catharine  Madary,  who,  in  1871,  devised  her  property  at  Frank- 
lin and  Maple  streets  to  Archbishop  Wood  in  trust  for  the 
rulers  of  the  Mother  House  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  at  Em- 
mittsburg,  Md.  Three  Sisters  came  from  Emmittsburg,  and 
took  possession  in  April,  1872.  In  1873,  a superior  large 
brick  edifice  was  erected,  and  in  1887,  a large  addition  was 
built  to  it.  The  present  number  of  girls  in  the  asylum  is  88; 
total  number  cared  for  is  407. 

House  of  Good  Shepherd  was  established  at  Fourth  and  Pine 
streets  in  1889  by  the  Roman  Catholics  at  Reading,  and  a col- 
ony of  Sisters  from  the  Provincial  House  at  Philadelphia  came  to 


8o 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Reading  to  take  charge  of  it.  The  object  is  to  reclaim  fallen  girls 
and  women,  and  teach  them  sewing  and  laundry  work,  so  that 
when  they  leave  the  place  they  can  earn  a living.  They  are 
allowed  to  remain  if  they  wish  to  do  so,  and  then  they  become 
Magdalens.  There  are  13  Cloistered  Sisters,  3 out-door  Sisters 
and  13  Magdalens  connected  with  the  institution.  Total  num- 
ber of  girls  cared  for  is  228;  present  number,  44. 

St.  Paul's  Orphan  Asylum  for  Boys  was  established  at  137 
North  Ninth  street  in  1889  by  the  St.  Paul’s  Roman  Catholic 
congregation,  and  16  boys  became  its  first  inmates.  Now  it 
harbors  56  boys;  total  number  cared  for,  14 1.  In  1897,  the  in- 
stitution . was  enlarged.  It  is  supervised  by  the  Rector  of 
St.  Paul’s  church  and  supported  by  voluntary  contributions. 

Canstatter  Volks-Fest  Verein  was  organized  in  1882,  for 
celebrating  annually  the  “Canstatter  Volks-Fest,”  and  since 
that  time  it  has  been  very  successful,  the  celebrations  attracting 
many  people,  contributing  much  pleasure,  and  developing  great 
sociability.  The  members  are  almost  entirely  Germans  and 
number  now  275. 

S.  P.  C.  A. — The  society  for  the  prevention  of  cruelty  to 
animals  was  organized  in  1891.  It  has  been  maintained  success- 
fully until  now,  with  Henry  Martz  as  its  detective  and  prosecu- 
ting officer.  Theretofore  cruelty  to  animals  was  a common  oc- 
currence in  Reading  but  after  a number  of  inhuman  persons  had 
been  prosecuted  and  fined  for  their  cruelty  to  horses  and  cattle 
(about  100,  mostly  persons  from  the  country  districts,)  a much 
improved  public  sentiment  followed.  As  a consequence 
cruelty  to  animals  is  seldom  seen  upon  the  streets  and  complaints 
on  that  account  are  rare. 


RELIGIOUS. 

Y M.  C.  A. — The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  be- 
gan at  Reading  in  i860,  but  it  did  not  continue  long  in  exis- 
tence. A second  attempt  was  made  in  1869,  and  the  organiza- 
tion then  effected  has  continued  until  the  present  time.  From 
1879  to  1895,  it  was  situated  in  the  Breneiser  building  at  Eighth 
and  Penn  streets.  Its  quarters  were  established  at  626  Penn 
street  in  1895,  at  a total  cost  of  $75,000.  The  exterior  appear- 
ance is  imposing  and  the  interior  compartments  for  reading, 
lecturing,  educational,  athletic  and  entertainment  purposes  are 


GOVERNMENT. 


I 


complete.  F.  S.  Livingood,  Esq.,  has  been  president  since  1886. 

W.  C.  T.  U. — In  1884,  Francis  E.  Willard  visited  Reading 
in  behalf  of  the  Women’s  Christian  Temperance  Union  and 
through  her  influence  a society  was  formed  which  has  been  kept 
up  since.  The  members  number  75. 

The  Boys'  Brigade  was  originally  started  in  Scotland  in  1883. 
The  first  company  in  the  United  States  was  organized  in  Cali- 
fornia in  1889,  and  the  first  at  Reading  in  1895.  The  object  of 
the  brigade  is  to  advance  Christianity  amongst  boys  through 
military  organization.  All  religious  denominations  are  repre- 
sented in  it.  There  are  now  at  Reading  18  companies,  which 
constitute  the  Fifth  Regiment  of  Pennsylvania.  The  total 
membership  is  800  boys  over  1 1 years  of  age.  Each  church 
supplies  the  equipment  for  its  respective  companies. 


PART  V. — GOVERNMENT. 

Tow7i . — The  local  government  at  Reading  from  1748  to  1783 
was  that  commonly  incident  to  a township  for  the  regulation  of 
road  affairs.  Until  1760,  it  was  included  in  Alsace  township; 
then  it  was  established  into  a separate  district. 

Borough.  — On  September  12,  1783,  the  town  was  incorpo- 
rated into  a borough,  and  the  people  were  invested  with  enlarged 
powers  for  local  affairs,  which  related  chiefly  to  the  streets  and 
the  public  peace.  Provision  was  made  for  the  annual  election 
of  two  burgesses,  four  assistants,  (who  with  the  chief  burgess 
constituted  the  council),  high  constable,  town  clerk,  two  super- 
visors and  two  assessors.  The  charter  continued  the  same,  ex- 
cepting several  modifications  about  elections. 

City. — The  borough  was  incorporated  into  a city  on  March 
16,  1847.  The  Act  preserved  the  wards  previously  created: 
Northeast,  Northwest,  Southeast,  Southwest,  and  Spruce,  and 
it  provided  for  the  election  of  one  select  and  one  common  coun- 
cilman from  each  ward  by  the  electors,  the  former  for  three  years 
and  the  latter  for  one  year;  for  the  annual  election  of  a mayor, 
treasurer,  and  three  auditors,  and  also  for  the  election  of  a select 
and  common  councilman  from  the  several  wards,  the  former  for 
three  years  and  the  latter  for  one  year;  and  it  provided  further 
for  the  annual  appointment  by  councils  of  a solicitor,  surveyor,. 


82 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


two  street  commissioners,  market  commissioner,  high  constable, 
and  scavenger.  It  created  twro  districts  for  alderman,  with  two 
aldermen  for  each  district;  and  the  day  of  election  was  fixed  for 
the  third  Friday  of  March.  The  Act  was  modified  March  13, 
1861,  and  among  other  things  the  terms  of  mayor  and  treasurer 
were  extended  to  two  years,  and  of  auditor  to  three  years;  and  it 
was  again  modified  April  26,  1864,  changing  the  day  of  election 
to  the  second  Friday  of  February,  and  increasing  the  term  of 
common  councilman  to  two  years,  one-half  of  the  number  to  be 
chosen  every  two  years  alternately. 

The  general  Act  of  May  23,  1874,  made  a number  of  changes 
in  the  local  government  of  Reading.  The  day  of  election  was 
changed  to  the  third  Tuesday  of  February.  Each  ward  became 
entitled  to  an  alderman  for  five  years,  and  a constable  and  asses- 
sor for  three  years.  It  substituted  a controller  in  the  place  of 
the  auditors,  with  a term  of  two  years,  and  increased  the  term 
of  engineer  and  solicitor  to  two  years. 

A general  Act  was  passed  May  23,  1889,  f°r  cities  of  the 
third  class,  (which  included  Reading,)  and  the  terms  were  made 
as  follows:  Mayor,  treasurer,  controller,  three  assessors  and 

engineer,  for  three  years,  solicitor  for  two  years,  select  council- 
men  for  four  years,  and  common  councilmen  for  two  years. 

Wards. — The  first  sub-division  of  Reading  was  made  in  1817 
for  election  purposes.  The  divisions  were  two,  North  ward  and 
South  ward,  with  Penn  street  as  the  dividing  line.  In  1840,  it 
was  sub-divided  into  four  wards,  Northeast,  Southeast,  North- 
west and  Southwest,  with  Penn  street  and  Sixth  street  as  the 
dividing  lines.  And  in  1844,  a Fifth  ward  was  established  called 
Spruce,  comprising  that  part  of  Reading  which  lay  between  the 
Schuylkill  and  the  Philadelphia  and  Reading  railroad  south  of 
Spruce  street. 

In  1861,  the  names  of  the  wards  were  changed  to  numerals: 
Spruce  ward  to  First;  Southwest  to  Second;  Southeast  to 
Third;  Northeast  to  Fourth;  and  Northwest  to  Fifth.  In  1864, 
the  city  was  divided  into  nine  wards.  In  1876,  two  wards  were 
added,  the  Tenth  ward  having  been  taken  from  the  Second,  and 
the  Eleventh  from  the  Ninth.  In  1885,  the  Eleventh  ward  was 
divided  into  three  wards,  Eleventh,  Twelfth,  and  Thirteenth. 
In  1892,  the  Fourteenth  ward  was  taken  from  that  part  of  the 
Seventh  lying  north  of  the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad,  and  the 


GOVERNMENT. 


«3 

Fifteenth  ward,  from  that  part  of  the  Sixth  ward  lying  north  of 
the  railroad.  And  in  1894,  the  Sixteenth  ward  was  taken  from 
that  p^rt  of  the  Eighth  ward  lying  south  of  Hill  Road  and 
that  part  of  the  Tenth  ward  lying  east  of  Thirteenth  street. 

OFFICIALS  FOR  CITY. 

Elective. — The  following  officials  are  elected  by  the  electors 
•of  the  entire  city  every  three  years  at  the  municipal  election  on 
the  third  Tuesday  in  February:  Mayor,  controller,  treasurer, 
and  three  assessors;  and  the  following  by  the  electors  of  the 
sixteen  respective  wards:  select  councilmen  for  four  years  and 
common  councilmen  for  two  years. 

Appointive. — The  following  are  appointed: 

By  the  Mayor: — Chief  of  police,  4 sergeants,  46  patrolmen,  2 
operators  of  the  police  telegraph,  2 turnkeys,  2 patrol  drivers, 
electrician,  police  clerk,  commissioner  of  markets  and  city  prop- 
erty, and  scavenger,  all  subject  to  approval  of  councils. 

By  Council: — City  clerk  (4  years);  4 water  commissioners, 
(4  years);  city  engineer  (3  years);  city  solicitor  (2  years);  5 
members  board  of  health,  who  select  2 physicians  (indefinite 
period) ; 4 common  commissioners  (4  years) ; 4 commissioners 
of  public  works  (4  years) ; superintendents,  clerks,  assistants, 
etc.,  are  also  appointed  for  the  several  departments. 

[Complete  list  of  officials  appears  at  end  of  Chapter  III.] 

OFFICIALS  FOR  WARDS. 

Officials  are  elected  at  the  municipal  election  in  February  by 
the  voters  of  each  ward:  Alderman  (term  5 years);  constable 
(3  years);  and  assessor  (3  years);  besides  the  representatives  in 
the  select  and  common  councils. 

OFFICIALS  FOR  PRECINCTS. 

All  the.  wards  of  Reading,  excepting  the  Fourth,  are  divided 
into  precincts,  numbering  altogether  45.  Each  of  these  pre- 
cincts is  an  election  district,  and  annually,  on  the  third  Tuesday 
in  February,  the  voters  elect  a judge,  2 inspectors  and  a regis- 
try assessor.  The  Fourth  ward  constitutes  an  election  district, 
and  as  to  this  district  there  is  no  registry  assessor,  the  ward 
assessor  performing  the  duties  of  that  office  also. 


84 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


DEPARTMENTS. 

The  government  of  Reading  comprises  the  following  depart- 
ments for  the  proper  direction  of  its  several  local  affairs  in  be- 
half of  the  public  welfare: 

Finance  Law  Surveys 

Fire  Parks  Tax 

Health  Police  Water 

Public  Works. 

Board  of  Water  Commissioners . — The  city  was  divided  into 
four  districts  for  the  election  of  commissioners  of  water  by  an 


CITY  HALL. 

Act  passed  March  21,  1865.  Sixth  street  and  Penn  street  were 
made  the  dividing  lines;  and  city  councils  were  required  to  elect 


GOVERNMENT. 


85 


four  persons,  one  from  each  district.  Of  the  first  board,  two 
were  to  hold  office  for  two  years  and  the  remaining  two  for  four 
years.  Thereafter  every  two  years,  councils  have  elected  two 
members  for  four  years.  The  office  is  without  compensation. 
The  board  is  authorized  to  employ  a superintendent  and  work- 
men for  carrying  on  the  department. 

Board  of  Health.- — An  Act  was  passed  on  April  22,  1873, 
specially  authorizing  the  establishment  of  a Board  of  Health  for 
Reading,  with  powers  for  the  preservation  of  the  public  health. 
The  board  was  made  to  consist  of  seven  members,  with  an  in- 
definite term  of  service  and  without  compensation.  The  city 
was  divided  into  four  districts,  with  Sixth  and  Penn  streets  as 
the  dividing  lines.  One  member  was  to  be  appointed  from  each 
district  and  one  from  the  city  at  large  by  the  presidents  of  the 
councils;  and  these  five  were  to  select  two  physicians.  And 
provision  was  made  for  the  annual  appointment  of  a health  com- 
missioner by  the  Board,  with  a compensation  to  be  fixed  by 
councils.  The  first  permanent  organization  was  effected  on 
March  10,  1874,  and  it  has  been  maintained  since  that  time. 

Board  of  Common  Commissioners . — In  1887,  Councils  estab- 
lished Penn  Common  by  an  ordinance,  and  the  city  was 
divided  into  four  districts,  with  Penn  street  and  Sixth  street  as 
the  dividing  lines,  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  an  elector  from  each 
district  for  the  term  of  four  years,  and  the  electors  chosen  were 
to -constitute  the  Board  of  Common  Commissioners.  They  em- 
ploy a superintendent,  gardeners  and  watchmen  to  improve  and 
protect  the  public  property. 

Board  of  City  Assessors. — From  1874  to  1889,  the  voters  of 
each  ward  elected  an  assessor  for  three  years  to  assess  real  and 
personal  property  for  purposes  of  taxation.  Then  cities  of  the 
third  class  were  authorized  to  elect  three  persons  as  a Board  of 
City  Assessors  to  serve  from  the  first  Monday  in  April  for  three 
years.  This  board  has  accordingly  from  that  time  assessed  the 
property  in  Reading  for  city  purposes,  and  city  councils  have 
fixed  the  rate  of  taxation  according  to  the  demands  for  revenue. 
The  rate  for  a number  of  years  has  been  six  mills. 

Ward  assessors  are  still  elected,  however,  at  the  municipal 
election  every  three  years,  for  county  purposes. 

Board  of  Public  Works. — A Board  of  Public  Works  was  es- 
tablished by  city  councils  November  30,  1895,  for  the  purpose  of 


86 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


supervising-  the  grading,  paving,  repairing  and  regulating  of  the 
streets,  and  of  controlling  the  house  sewerage,  pumping  and 
disposal  system;  which  was  to  comprise  four  commissioners, 
who  were  to  be  appointed  by  city  councils,  the  appointees  to  be 
selected  from  the  electors  of  the  four  districts  of  Reading,  and 
the  dividing  lines  of  the  districts  to  be  Chestnut,  Walnut  and 
Douglass  streets.  This  board  has  officiated  since  that  time, 
having  directed  its  attention  more  particularly  toward  the 
establishment  of  sewers  for  surface  and  house  drainage,  and 
of  paved  streets  with  sheet  asphaltum.  [See  Part  II,  In- 
ternal Improvements — Streets  and  Sewers,  p.  39-40.] 


LIST  OF  BURGESSES  AND  MAYORS. 


Burgesses. 

Daniel  Levan 

■ . 1783 

George  M.  Keim  . . . . 

1833-34 

* . . . 1783-1815 

Anthony  Bickel 

1834-35 

John  Spayd 

1815-22 

Thomas  Keppel 

1S35-36 

William  Witman 

1822-25 

William  Schoener  1836-37, 

1839-43 

Peter  Nagle,  Jr.,  ...  . 

William  High 

1843-44 

. . . 1825-31,  1832-33, 

1837-39 

William  Betz 

1844-47 

Henry  A.  Muhlenberg.  . . 

1831-32 

*Names  not  obtainable. 

Mayors. 

Peter  Filbert 

1847-48 

Nathan  M.  Eisenhower  . . 

1865-67 

William  H.  Keim  . . . . 

1848-49 

William  H.  Gernand  . . . 

1867-71 

George  Getz*- 

1849-53 

Samuel  C.  Mayer  . . . . 

1871-73 

Daniel  R.  Clymer  . . . 

1853-54 

Charles  F.  Evans  . . . . 

1873-79. 

John  S.  Richards  . . . . 

1854-55 

Henry  A.  Tyson 

1879-81 

William  M.  Baird  . . . . 

1855-56 

William  G.  Rowe  . . 

1881-85 

Joel  B.  Wanner 

1856-57 

James  K.  Getz  

1885-87 

A.  Jordan  Swartz  . . . . 

1857-58 

James  R.  Kenney  . . . 

1887-90 

Benneville  Keim 

1858-61 

Thomas  P.  Merritt  . . . . 

1890-95 

Joel  B.  Wannerf 

1861-63 

William  F.  Shanaman  . . 

1893-96 

Joseph  S.  Hoyer 

1863-65 

Jacob  Weidel 

1896-99 

*Mr.  Getz  died  February  10,  1853,  and  George  M.  Keim  was  elected 
to  fill  the  short  vacancy. 

fMr.  Wanner  enlisted  in  the  Civil  War  before  the  expiration  of  his 
term,  and  David  McKnight  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

The  total  vote  of  the  city  in  1847  for  mayor  was  1237;  in 
1877  it  was  7086;  and  in  1896,  it  was  13,961. 


CENSUS. 


»7 


STATE  REPRESENTATIVES  FROM  CITY. 

Under  the  provisions  of  the  Act  of  May  19,  1874,  the  State 
of  Pennsylvania  was  apportioned  into  senatorial  and  representa- 
tive districts.  By  this  apportionment  Reading  was  made  a 
separate  district  for  representatives,  and  authorized  to  elect  two 
members  for  two  years.  Previously  the  county,  including  the 
county-seat,  was  one  district. 

The  following  representatives  were  from  Reading: 


Name 

Term 

Name 

Term 

Amos  B.  Wanner  . . 

. . 1875-76 

Spencer  H.  Smith  . . 

. . 1887-88 

Jacob  Miller  . . 

. . 1875-78 

Allen  S.  Beck  .... 

Jeremiah  Boone  . . . 

. . 1877-80 

Samuel  D Missimer  . 

. . 1889-92 

George  McFarlan  . . 

. . 1879-82 

John  B.  Goodhart  . . 

• • 1893-94 

John  S.  Wagner  . . . 

. . 1881-82 

John  R.  Laucks  . . . 

. . 1893-94 

Asa  G.  W.  Smith  . . 

. . 1883-86 

Edwin  M.  Luden  . . . 

Henry  D.  Green  . . . 

. . 1883-86 

David  West 

. . 1895-98 

James  L Douglas  . . 

. . 1887-88 

PART  VI. — CENSUS. 

Getz  E7iumeration . — In  1847,  J.  Lawrence  Getz,  publisher 
of  the  Reading  Gazette  and  Democrat , made  an  enumeration  of 
the  population  at  Reading,  with  the  following  result:  Males, 
6641;  females,  6403;  total,  13,044;  houses,  2138;  families, 
2398.  There  were  then  nearly  twice  as  many  persons  south  of 
Penn  street  as  there  were  north. 

Levan ■ Enumeration. — In  1877,  Edgar  M.  Levan,  an  at- 
torney at  Reading,  published  a directory  of  the  city.  While 
registering  the  names  of  the  inhabitants,  he  collected  interesting 
facts,  showing  the  number  and  sex  of  the  population,  stores, 
dwellings,  etc.,  with  the  following  result: 

Males  over  21  years,  9765;  under  21  years,  9787;  females 
over  21  years,  10,784;  under  21  years,  9773;  total,  40,109; 
stores,  1044;  dwellings,  8186;  manufactories,  117.  Number  of 
persons  to  each  inhabited  dwelling,  5.19. 

Comparative  Statistics. — The  following  statistics  are  submitted 
to  show  the  relative  growth  of  Reading  as  compared  with  the 
country  districts  of  Berks  county  at  three  different  periods. 


88 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Reading. 

1856 

1885. 

1897. 

Taxables 

4.094 

13,279 

24,439 

Property  assessed 

$4,011,763 

$23,780,222 

$38,429,030 

Money  at  interest 

380,853 

5,049,482 

7,890,438 

Country  Districts. 

1856. 

1885. 

1897. 

Taxables 

13,480 

20,879 

27,711 

Property  assessed 

$19,691,126 

$40,806,570 

$37,818,845 

Money  at  interest 

2,020,575 

8,741,821 

8,152,817 

Assessinent  for  1898. — The  city  assessors  of  Reading  made 
an  assessment  of  property  in  the  several  wards  from  September 
to  December,  1897,  which  was  revised  by  city  councils  from 
January  to  March,  1898,  with  the  following  result: 


Wards. 

Taxables. 

Voters. 

Property 

Assessed. 

Property 
Exempted . 

1st  Ward  .... 

1272 

' 

983 

$ 2,046,200 

$ 250,400 

2nd  Ward  .... 

1992 

1407 

2,3H,  500 

30,000 

3rd  Ward  .... 

1600 

1306 

3,682,000 

357,700 

4th  Ward  .... 

1040 

682 

3,370,250 

238,500 

5th  Ward  .... 

1173 

88l 

2,074,300 

42,000 

6th  Ward  .... 

2291 

1874 

3,688,225 

88,000 

7th  Ward  .... 

1887 

IO79 

5,266.  IOO 

1,101,000 

8th  Ward  .... 

1269 

996 

2,902,550 

499,500 

9th  Ward  . . . 

1661 

1381 

2, 144,  IOO 

342,800 

10th  Ward  .... 

1524 

I IOO 

1,270,300 

76,800 

nth  Ward  .... 

1742 

1319 

1,773,300 

192,400 

1 2th  Ward  . . . 

1805 

1606 

2,277,875 

443,8oo 

13th  Ward  .... 

1899 

1450 

2,345,850 

244, 800 

14th  Ward  .... 

1126 

872 

2,806,808 

187,650 

15th  Ward  .... 

931 

659 

1,957,291 

149,600 

16th  Ward  .... 

1227 

1048 

2,168,884 

451,700 

Total 

24,439 

18,643 

$42,085,533 

$4,696,650 

The  property  exempted  from  local  taxation  embraces  all 
churches,  parsonages,  school-houses,  public  buildings,  char- 
itable institutions,  and  corporation  buildings  not  including 
establishments  that  produce  revenue. 


CENSUS.  ’ 89 

Dwellings. — There  were  16,079  buildings  in  Reading  on 
January  1,  1898,  which  were  located  by  wards  as  follows: 


1st  Ward  876 
2nd  Ward  1189 
3rd  Ward  1069 
4th  Ward  644 


5th  Ward  714 

6th  Ward  1581 

7th  Ward  969 

8th  Ward  822 


9th  Ward  1122 
10th  Ward  1005 
nth  Ward  1072 
12th  Ward  1326 


13th  Ward  1296 
14th  Ward  789 
15th  Ward  651 
1 6th  Ward  945 


The  character  of  the  buildings  is  as  follows:  brick,  13,642.; 
frame,  2,168;  stone,  269,  (the  greater  part  of  them  being  con- 
structed out  of  brick  with  stone  fronts.) 

, Census  1790  to  1898. — Previous  to  1850,  the  enumeration  of 
the  several  wards  of  Reading  was  not  reported  by  the  United 
States  Census  Department,  and  for  that  reason,  the  figures  do 
not  appear  in  the  following  table.  For  the  several  decades 
from  1790  to  1840,  the  total  census  was  as  follows:  1790 — 2,235; 
1800 — 2,386;  1810 — 3,462;  1820 — 4,332;  1830 — 5,856;  1840 — 
8,410. 

POPULATION  OF  READING  1847  TO  1898. 


Wards. 

1847 

1850 

i860 

1870 

1880 

1890  1898 

rst  Ward 

2144 

2962 

4019 

2834 

3044 

3694  ! 3890 

2nd  Ward . . 

3781 

3774 

4189 

5530 

‘ 5553 

5947  6992 

3rd  Ward 

2485 

3165 

4905 

3732 

4455 

4665  4586 

4th  Ward 

2091 

3204 

576o 

2611 

2826 

2758  2543 

5th  Ward 

2543 

2638 

4289 

3205 

3399 

3467  2953 

6th  Ward 

2763 

3762 

5977  7221 

7th  Ward 

3541 

4130 

5185  | 3779 

8th  Ward 

3690 

3874 

4403  | 3467 

9th  Ward 

6024 

4206 

4800  5007 

10th  Ward 

2834  i 

6156  4605 

nth  Ward 

5195 

3899  4997 

12th  Ward 

4110  6297 

13th  Ward 

3600  5952 

14th  Ward 

3362 

15th  Ward 

3040 

1 6th  Ward 

1 4242 

Total. 

13,044 

15,743  1 

23,162 

33,930 

43,278 

58,661  | 72,933 

mayor’s  enumeration,  1898. 

At  the  request  of  the  compiler  of  this  history,  the  Mayor  of 
Reading,  Hon.  Jacob  Weidel,  directed  an  enumeration  of  the 


90 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


population  of  Reading  to  be  made  during  the  month  of  March, 
1898,  by  the  patrolmen  under  the  supervision  of  the  chief  of 
police,  John  F.  Albrecht,  and  the  result  was  as  follows:  under 
21  years  of  age,  15,548  males,  15,465  females;  21  years  and 
over,  20,358  males,  21,562  females;  all  males  35,906,  all  females 
37,027;  total  72,933. 

COMPARATIVE  STATEMENT — 1898. 


Tax  Rate  in  Mills 

Popula 

Taxa- 

Property 

Total 

tion 

bles 

Assessment 

Debt 

City 

School 

County 

Allentown  . . 

35,ooo 

9,000 

$19,500,000 

$ 423,200 

0% 

6 

2*4 

Easton  .... 

20,000 

11,000,000 

15,416,646 

305,900 

m 

6 

2.8 

Lancaster  . . 

40,000 

644,500 

9 

. 4 

3 

Lebanon  „ . . 

16,000 

4,738 

8,680,000 

267,600 

4*4 

3*4 

2 

Harrisburg  . . 

60,000 

12,750 

24,000,000 

1,000000 

7 

6 

4 

Reading  . . . 

73,000 

24-439 

*42,085,533 

1,352,500 

6 

4 

2% 

Scranton  . . . 

106,000 

38,789 

23,452,916 

579,538 

12.8 

4 

7 

Wilkesbarre.  . 

55,ooo 

11,200 

**7,000,000 

464,500 

23 

18 

7 

Williamsport  . 

33,ooo 

7.000 

9,150,060 

729,500 

15 

1 

7 

5 

* Not  including  exempted  real  estate,  84,696,650. 

**  One-fifth  valuation. 

POPULATION  NORTH  AND  SOUTH  OF  PENN  STREET. 

By  the  following  table  it  appears  that  the  major  part  of  the 
population  of  Reading  was  south  of  Penn  street  from  1840  to 
1880;  and  by  averaging  the  increase  from  1880  to  1890,  it 
is  evident  that  the  major  part  had  shifted  north  of  Penn 
street  in  the  year  1882. 


1840 

1850 

i860 

1870 

1880 

1890 

^ 1 

00 

VO 

00  | 

1 

South  of  Penn  street 

4991 

9901 

13113 

17912 

22m 

26687 

29811 

North  of  Penn  street 

3419 

5842 

10049 

16018 

21167 

31974 

43122 

1572 

4059 

3064 

1894 

944 

COLORED  POPULATION. 

The  colored  population  at  Reading  since  1830,  by  the  United 
States  census  enumeration  was  as  follows:  1830 — 192;  1840 — 
221;  1850 — 357;  i860 — 285;  1870 — 31 1 ; 1880 — 350;  1890 — 
390. 


INDUSTRIES. 


91 


CHAPTER  II.— INDUSTRIES. 


PART  I. EARLY  EMPLOYMENTS. 

Employments  before  1783. — The  artisans  of  Reading  have  al- 
ways been  recognized  for  their  skill  and  industry.  When  the 
town  lots  were  first  sold,  and  improved  real  estate  was  trans- 
ferred to  succeeding  owners  for  thirty  years  afterward,  the  em- 
ployments of  the  parties  to  the  deeds  was  usually  added  to  their 
names.  An  examination  of  the  records  in  the  Recorder’s  office 
reveals  this  fact.  The  employments  were  quite  diversified,  as 
the  following  enumeration  indicates:  baker,  blacksmith,  book- 
binder, brick-maker,  brewer,  butcher,  cabinet-maker,  carpenter, 
clock-maker,  cooper,  cord-wainer,  felt-maker,  glazier,  gun-smith, 
hatter,  joiner,  locksmith,  nailer,  potter,  reed-maker,  saddler, 
shoemaker,  tanner,  tailor,  tinner,  tobacconist,  weaver  and 
wheelwright. 

Many  articles  have  been  preserved  and  transmitted  from  one 
generation  to  the  other.  There  are  instances  where  certain 
articles,  such  as  clocks,  furniture,  coverlets,  silver- ware,  etc., 
have  been  handed  down  for  over  a hundred  years  in  a direct 
line.  The  workmanship  is  superior,  showing  thoroughness  and 
experience.  These  articles  were  not  made  for  the  residents  of 
the  town  and  the  surrounding  settlements  only,  but  to  supply 
demands  from  distant  places.  In  this  respect,  Reading  had  a 
wide  reputation  before  1783. 

Hat-making  was  the  most  prominent  industry  then.  Statis- 
tics previous  to  1795  have  not  been  discovered;  but  a table  has 
been  published,  showing  the  production  of  Pennsylvania  then, 
in  which  Berks  County  ranks  next  to  Philadelphia,  having  had 
38  hatters  and  produced  2200  fur  hats  and  54,000  wool  hats, 
(the  latter  one-third  of  the  total  production  of  all  the  counties.) 
The  production  of  the  county  was  almost  wholly  from  Reading. 
The  shops  were  small. 


92 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Industrial  Character. — In  looking  over  the  general  situation 
of  affairs  until  1783,  it  is  apparent  that  industry  was  a distin- 
guishing characteristic  of  the  people  and  that  this  was  the  direct 
cause  of  their  prosperity.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  population 
shows  the  importance  of  the  place.  Business  relations  extended 
to  different  centres  of  trade  and  commerce.  Many  men  were 
engaged  in  carrying  on  general  stores.  They  traded  mostly 
with  merchants  at  Philadelphia.  Inn-keepers  were  prominent 
men  and  they  took  much  interest  in  local  government  and  rep- 
resentative positions. 

In  1762  there  were  thirty-two  licenses  issued  by  the  Governor 
upon  recommendation  of  the  Justices.  This  large  number  of 
licenses  for  a town  of  only  1200  inhabitants  is  a certain  indica- 
tion that  many  persons  from  the  surrounding  townships  and  dis- 
tant places  visited  Reading  to  transact  business.  Licenses  were, 
however,  issued  to  store-keepers  besides  inn-keepers,  and  farm- 
ers mostly  purchased  their  liquors  there. 

The  erection  of  a borough  in  1783  for  improved  local  govern- 
ment makes  the  developing  process  of  the  community  apparent. 
The  industry  and  enterprise'  of  the  people  prepared  the  way  for 
the  introduction  of  stage-coaches,  post  office,  newspapers,  turn- 
pikes, banks,  bridges,  canals  and  railroads.  These  improve- 
ments of  a public  nature  indicate  a strong  co-operative  spirit. 
Manufacturers,  merchants  and  farmers  kept  themselves  busy 
agitating  them,  and  for  their  success  in  overcoming  various  ob- 
stacles and  finally  establishing  them,  they  can  not  be  given  too 
much  praise.  By  comparing  their  situation  with  that  which  we 
occupy,  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  years  after  those  improve- 
ments were  introduced,  we  must  express  surprise  at  their  under- 
takings and  accomplishments. 

Early  Traffic. — The  following  statement  shows  the  extent  of 
traffic  at  two  early  periods  of  Reading.  The  articles  were 
shipped  on  flat-bottomed  boats  to  Philadelphia  from  the  store- 
houses of  Garber  & Strohecker,  situated  on  both  sides  of  the 
river,  one  below  and  the  other  above  the  Levan  Ferry  (now 
Lancaster  bridge.) 

In  1795: — 18,135  bus.  wheat,  2,220  bbls.  flour,  105  tons  straw, 
11  tons  linseed  oil,  4 y2  tons  beeswax,  9 tons  butter,  3 tons 
paper,  tons  hams,  23  gals,  brandy,  79  doz.  hats. 


INDUSTRIES. 


93 


In  1807,  (February  to  June:) — 31,198  bus.  wheat,  4,695  bbls. 
flour,  380  bbls.  bread,  153  bbls.  pork,  200  bus.  corn,  50  tons 
iron,  274  casks  butter,  1,256  gals,  brandy,  2j^  tons  paper. 

There  were  other  store-houses,  and  shipments  were  made 
from  them  also,  but  no  statistics  have  been  preserved.  Numer- 
ous teams  were  constantly  going  to  and  fro,  delivering  various 
productions  and  taking  away  merchandise. 

In  1831,  for  the  week  ending  May  27th,  eighty  boats  loaded 
with  various  articles  went  down  the  canal  from  Reading;  and  in 
1835,  for  the  week  ending  June  14th,  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  boats.  Some  of  them  had  coal  from  Schuylkill  county. 

Ware- House  in  1826. — The  Schuylkill  canal  extended  through 
that  section  of  the  town  midway  between  Front  and  Second 
streets.  A basin  was  constructed  in  the  quarter  block  lying  be- 
tween Cherry  and  Franklin  streets,  and  Second  street  and  the 
canal,  and  this  occupied  a prominent  place  in  the  business  affairs 
of  Reading  from  1826  to  1834.  A large  ware  house  stood  along 
Second  street.  It  was  carried  on  by  William  P.  Orrick.  Num- 
erous 4-horse  and  6-horse  teams,  with  large  covered  wagons, 
collected  along  Second,  Penn  and  Franklin  streets,  waiting 
their  turn  for  merchandise  to  be  taken  from  the  boats  in  the 
basin  and  hauled  west,  north-west  and  north-east  many  miles. 
They  brought  mostly  grain  to  Reading  for  shipment  by  canal. 
It  was  the  most  prominent  business  point  of  the  town  until  the  canal 
was  moved  west,  along  the  river,  in  1834.  This  store-house  was 
afterward  converted  into  a planing  mill. 

This  basin  was  also  used  as  a landing  place  for  “Packet 
Boats.”  Many  passengers  traveled  by  boat  from  Philadelphia 
to  Reading,  and  preferred  to  do  so  on  account  of  the  quietness 
and  coolness  of  the  ride.  The  trip  one  way  was  made  in  a day, 
both  by  boat  and  by  stage,  that  is,  from  morning  till  evening. 
This  was  accomplished  by  changing  the  teams  at  fixed  stations 
from  six  to  eight  miles  apart. 

Reading  in  1840. — William  Stahle,  a storekeeper,  published 
a small  book  of  68  pages  in  1841,  relating  to  the  business  affairs 
of  Reading  as  they  existed  in  1840.  The  particulars  were  col- 
lected by  a young  attorney  named  Jackson  H.  Sherman.  More 
than  sixty  different  employments  were  carried  on  at  that  time, 
and  the  manufacturing  establishments  numbered  sixty-four. 
The  enumeration,  briefly  stated,  was  as  follows: 


94 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


i  Artist. 

7 Bakers. 

6 Barbers. 

16  Blacksmiths, 
i Blind-maker. 

3 Boat-builders. 

17  Brick-layers. 

14  Butchers. 

8 Cabinet-makers. 

30  Carpenters. 

4 Cigar-makers. 

9 Clock-makers. 

6 Coach-makers. 

6 Coach-trimmers. 

1 Coffee-mill  maker. 

2 Coopers. 

4 Coppersmiths. 

3 Curriers. 


EMPLOYMENTS. 

4  Dentists. 

11  Doctors. 

3 Drovers. 

4 Druggists. 

4 Dyers. 

2  Gunsmiths. 

1 Horse  Farrier. 

.3  Jewelers. 

26  Lawyers 

2 Locksmiths. 

24  Mantua-makers. 

12  Milliners 

1 Millwright. 

3 Painters, (coach). 
7 Painters, (house). 

2 Painters, (sign). 

3 Plasterers. 

3  Plumbers. 

MANUFACTORIES. 


i  Pump-maker. 

1  Reed-maker. 

4 Saddlers. 

1 Scissors  Grinder. 
26  Shoemakers. 

2 Silver-platers. 

5 Slop-shops. 

5  Stone-cutters. 

3 Stone-masons. 

34  Tailors. 

5 Tallow-chandlers. 
32  Tavern-keepers. 

7 Tinsmiths. 

4 Turners. 

13  Weavers. 

6 Wheelwrights. 

1  White  Sweep. 


1 Auger  Factory. 

1 Blacking  Varnish  Factory. 

1 Brass  Foundry. 

3 Breweries. 

9 Brick  Kilns. 

1 Brush  Factory. 

1 Coffee  Mill  Factory. 

1 Comb  Factory. 

1 Distillery. 

3 Farming  Implement  Shops. 
8 Fur  Hat  Factories. 

2 Glue  Factories. 

2  Grist  Mills. 


1 Gun  Barrel  Factory. 

1 Iron  and  Nail  Works. 

1 Iron  Foundry. 

1 Lime  Kiln. 

2 Machine  Shops. 

1 Piano  Factory. 

1 Rope  Factory. 

1 Saw  Mill. 

1 Stove  Foundry. 

1 White  and  Morroco  Tannery. 
5 Windsor  Chair  Factories. 

14  Wool  Hat  Factories. 


PUBLIC  BUILDINGS  AND  ENTERPRISES. 


3 Banks. 

2 Bridges. 

2 Canals. 

12  Churches. 

5 Coal  Yards. 

6 Fire  Companies. 

1 Green  House. 

4 Livery  Stables. 

3 Lumber-yards. 

2 Market  Houses. 

3 Military  Companies. 


7 Newspapers. 

13  Private  Schools. 

13  Public  Schools. 

4  Public  Libraries. 

1 Railroad. 

4 Store  Houses. 

89  Stores. 

8 Sunday  Schools. 

5 Vineyards. 

1 Waterworks. 

4  Wood  and  Coal  Yards. 


DEVELOPMENT. 


95 


The  foregoing  list  is  not  complete,  for  it  is  known  that 
many  men  were  engaged  in  other  occupations  which  contributed 
their  share  towards  the  enrichment  and  development  of  Reading, 
such  as  wool-hat-makers,  boot  and  shoemakers,  molders,  ma- 
chinists, chainmakers,  nail  workers,  potters,  wheelwrights,  dis- 
tillers, brewers,  rope-makers,  and  boat-builders. 


PART.  II. — DEVELOPMENT  OF  READING. 

1783-184.7. — Between  1783  and  1847  the  energy  of  the  people 
was  constantly  shown  in  various  directions.  In  the  course  of 
local  events,  it  appears  prominent  in  patriotism,  in  religious 
zeal,  and  in  business  intercourse.  The  erection  of  churches  by 
different  denominations  would  seem  to  have  been  accomplished 
mostly  by  first  efforts;  but  the  erection  of  bridges,  turnpikes 
and  canals  required  much  perseverance  under  adverse  circum- 
stances, extending  through  many  years. 

The  growth  of  the  population  of  Reading  was  surprising, 
especially  considering  it  as  an  inland  borough.  The  stage- 
coach and  turnpike  contributed  the  greater  proportion  of  this 
growth  until  1825,  and  the  canal  and  railroad  from  that  time  un- 
til 1847.  Coal  became  the  principal  factor  in  this  development 
after  1825.  It  was  discovered  about  1770,  but  it  was  not  appre- 
ciated for  heating  purposes  until  after  1810,  and  for  creating  steam 
until  after  1825.  The  first  practical  use  of  it  in  a stove  at  Read- 
ing is  said  to  have  been  made  in  the  Branch  Bank  about  1810. 
When  the  canal  was  opened  for  transportation  from  the  coal 
regions  in  1824,  it  began  to  be  introduced  in  large  quantities. 
Then  factories  were  erected  and  they  were  operated  by  steam 
power.  When  the  railroad  was  extended  to  Pottsville  in  1842, 
the  influence  of  coal  in  accelerating  the  development  of  Reading 
was  felt  in  a marked  degree.  Iron  must  also  be  mentioned  in 
this  connection.  It  was  the  great  constituent  in  machinery  for 
factories,  shops  and  furnaces,  and  in  a substantial  track  for  the 
railroad.  Coal,  steam  and  iron  were  each  necessary  to  complete 
the  great  combination  for  power,  despatch  and  economy,  and 
they  contributed  largely  to  the  rapid  development  of  Read- 
ing from  1825  to  1850.  This  appears  from  the  census  enumer- 
ation, as  follows:  from  1820  to  1830,  thirty-five  per  cent;  from 


96 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


1830  to  1840,  forty-six  and  six-tenths  per  cent,  and  from  1840  to 
1850,  eighty-seven  and  two-tenths  per  cent. 

1847  to  1897. — As  near  as  it  can  be  ascertained,  Reading  in 
1847  contained  thirty-seven  different  kinds  of  industrial  estab- 
lishments; also  one  hundred  and  thirty  mercantile  houses  for 
which  county  licenses  were  issued.  The  following  statement  in- 
cludes the  names  of  the  more  prominent  persons  who  carried  on 
business  here  at  that  time: 

Bakeries:  Henry  Drum,  John  G.  Eben,  David  Mitchell  and 
Daniel  Moyer. 

Blacksmith  shops:  John  Drenkel,  Aaron  Getz,  Peter  D. 
Getz,  Jacob  Jones,  Daniel  Miller,  Thomas  Rambo  and  Wil- 
liam Stoltz. 

Boat-yards:  William  Krick,  Samuel  & Adam  Krauser,  Wil- 
liam Hiester,  Savage  & Call,  and  Corbett  & Stratton. 

Breweries:  Frederick  Lauer,  Nicholas  Felix,  John  Borrell. 

Brick-yards:  John  Darrah,  Adam  Diehm,  Thomas  Diehm, 
John  Hoff,  Benjamin  Fink,  Jacob  Geiger,  Henry  Graul,  George 
S.  Levan,  William  Yeager,  Jacob  Young.  All  produced  an- 
nually over  500,000  brick;  seven  others  produced  less  than 
500,000.  Total  for  1846,  over  9,200,000. 

Brush  Factories:  Benjamin  Witman,  Helms  & German, 
William  Sage. 

Cabinet  Factories:  John  Bertolet,  Henry  Haberacker,  Josiah 
Hearing,  Henry  Rhein,  Daniel  Spang. 

Candy  Factories:  P.  K.  & H.  L.  Miller,  G.  W.  & A.  M. 
Souders,  Amos  B.  Yeager. 

Carriage  Factories:  Ephraim  Booth,  Samuel  Filbert,  Jacob 
Hessler,  Godfrey  Simon,  Isaiah  Thomas. 

Chain  Factory:  Nicholas  Rapp. 

Chair  Factories:  Owen  Bitting,  John  Brown,  Frederick  Fox, 
James  M.  Lewis,  Gustavus  Leslie. 

Cigar  Factories:  John  Beadencup,  Charles  Breneiser,  J.  & E. 
Eyrich,  Franklin  Frantz,  J.  M.  & G.  W.  Hantsch,  John 
Maltzberger. 

Clothing  Shops:  James  Jameson,  William  McFarlan,  George 
Newkirk. 

Comb  Factory:  Viven  & Behm. 

Cooper  Shops:  Peter  Barbey,  Daniel  Engel,  Morton  Righter, 
William  Sands,  Henry  B.  Shearer,  Thomas  Willson. 


INDUSTRIES. 


97 


Distilleries:  Philip  Bushong,  Riah  Gillson. 

Farming  Implement  Works:  Adam  Waid,  Montgomery  & 
Armstrong. 

Fire-Brick  Works:  William  Wells. 

Glue  Factories:  Daniel  Levan,  Samuel  Levan. 

Green  House:  Michael  Hauser. 

Grist  Mills:  Frees  & Kissinger  (steam),  George  Smith 
(water. ) 

Hat  Factories:  Henry  Brown,  George  Drenkel,  Levi  Hilde- 
brand, Henry  Henritze,  John  Kutz,  John  Lotz,  Isaac  W. 
Levan,  Jacob  Maurer,  Adam  Rightmeier,  Charles  W.  Ringgold. 
Jacob  Sauerbier,  M.  & J.  Siegel,  John  Yerger,  William  Yerger. 

Iron  Works:  Bertolette’s  Rolling  Mill  [Enterprise],  Darling, 
Dotterer  & Co’s  Machine  Shop,  Eckert’s  Furnace  [Henry 
Clay],  Johnston’s  Foundry  [Franklin],  Philadelphia  & Reading 
R.  R.  Co.  Shops,  Sabbatin’s  Forge,  Seyfert,  McManus  & Co’s 
Rolling  Mill. 

Locksmith  Shops:  John  Mellert,  John  Miller. 

Marble  Works:  John  F.  Moers,  John  T.  Craig,  Ferdinand 
H.  Strecker. 

Organ  Factories:  Daniel  Bohler,  John  Schoener. 

Potteries:  Asaph  Shenfelder,  William  Wells. 

Rope  Walks:  Thomas  Jackson,  Stephan  Orth. 

Saddleries:  George  Frees,  Jacob  H.  Hain,  Andrew  Fich- 
thorn,  Henry  Hahs,  Gideon  Weiser. 

Saw  Mills:  Boas  & Spangler,  J.  V.  Craig,  Foos  & Bingaman. 

Shoe  Factories:  H.  F.  Felix  & Co.,  Henry  Fry,  Jacob 

Goodhart,  O’Brien  & Foster. 

Silversmith  Shops:  Frederick  Grotevent,  Charles  L.  Heiz- 
mann,  George  Heller,  Levan  Mannerback,  Otto  Ralle. 

Soap  and  Candle  Factories:  John  R.  Klein,  Albert  Fischer. 

Tanneries:  Henry  Connard,  Andrew,  Charles  & William 
Fichthorn,  Abraham  Kerper,  George  Winters. 

Tin  and  Copper-smith  shops:  F.  & W.  Bright,  Jacob  Long, 
Morris  Pauli,  Charles  K.  Snell,  Daniel  Smith. 

Turner  Shops:  Joseph  Bitting,  Charles  Young. 

Wheelwright  Shops:  Jacob  Goodman,  Henry  Goodman,  Reu- 
ben Goodman. 

Weaving  Shops:  George  Goodman,  George  Price,  Philip 
Rush. 


98 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


The  following  must  also  be  mentioned,  because  they  contrib- 
uted a great  deal  towards  the  prosperity  of  Reading: 

Banks:  Farmers’  Bank,  and  Branch  Bank  of  Pennsylvania. 

Builders:  William  Call,  N.  M.  Eisenhower,  George  Foos, 
Benjamin  Fink,  John  Fink,  Jacob  Fritz,  Wm  and  Joseph 
Henry,  Wm.  B.  Hertzel,  John  and  Frederick  Printz,  and  Solo- 
mon Spohn. 

Merchants:  Philip  Albright,  John  Allgaier,  Marks  John  Bid- 
dle, Boas,  Lott  & Co.,  D.  R.  Clymer,  William  and  Peter 
Coleman,  Lewis  Briner,  Baum  & Sands,  Samuel  Ermentrout, 
Wm.  Ermentrout,  Fasig  & Henry,  Wm.  S.  Fisher,  Fricker 
& Stout,  John  Green,  Hoff  & Bro,  George  Feather,  Hart  & 
Mayer,  Johnson  & Templin,  Keely  & Kerper,  Wm.  & John 
Keim,  Michael  Keffer,  Frank  Miller,  J.  & C.  M.  Pearson, 
Alexander  Peacock,  Wm.  Rhoads  & Son,  Francis  Roland, 
Stichter  & McKnight,  John  Ritter  & Co.,  Seyfert  & Miner, 
Frank  B.  Shalters,  David  R.  Schultz,  E.  D.  Smith,  Weitzel 
■&  Bro.,  Philip  Zieber. 

The  following  women  were  in  business  then,  all  conducting 
millinery  establishments,  and  several  including  trimmings  and 
notions:  Mrs.  Catharine  Andrews,  (Barbara)  Babb  & (Catha- 
rine) Wanner,  Mrs.  Rachel  Boyer,  Helen  Dwight,  Mrs. 
Amanda  Heller,  Mrs.  Mary  Marsh,  Mrs.  Hannah  Phillippi, 
Catharine  Price,  Deborah  Potts,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Reamer  (Nor- 
ton), Ellen  Richards,  Mrs.  Red,  Mrs.  Runyeon,  (Mrs.  Susan) 
Rapp  & (Mrs.  Catharine)  Harvey,  Mrs.  Harriet  Smith  (Kutz.) 

Hotels:  Herman  Beard,  Wm.  Behm,  John  W.  Burkhart, 
John  Darrah,  Andrew  Davis,  Wm.  L.  de  Bourbon,  Isaac  Enis, 
Jacob  Frill,  George  Gernant,  Samuel  Graul,  Daniel  Herr,  John 
Mellon,  John  Messersmith,  John  Moyer,  Michael  Nunnemacher, 
Philip  Orth,  Peter  Phillippi,  Wm.  Rapp,  Solomon  Spohn, 
Harry  Weldy. 

Surviving  Business  Men  of  184.7 • — There  are  still  at  Read- 
ing the  following  men  who  were  engaged  in  business  here  before 
1850,  and  have  continued  doing  business  until  the  present 
time: 

William  Behm,  Adam  Bertrand,  John  F.  Boyer,  Charles 
Breneiser,  Henry  Bushong,  William  N.  Coleman,  Henry  Drum, 
F.  G.  Dwight,  Jeremiah  Hagenman,  John  M.  Hangen,  Henry 
A.  Hoff,  Samuel  R.  Lessig,  Matthias  Mengel,  Jacob  Miller, 


CAUSE  OF  DEVELOPMENT. 


99 


Henry  Rhein,  Simon  Seyfert,  David  Schultz,  S.  S.  Stevens, 
Horatio  Trexler,  Jacob  Walters,  Samuel  L.  Young. 

And  the  following  were  in  business  here  before  1850  but, 
after  having  followed  their  respective  callings  for  many  years 
afterward,  they  are  now  living  in  retirement: 

George  Ammon,  D.  Llewellyn  Beaver,  David  E.  Benson, 
William  Bingaman,  William  Call,  Henry  Crouse,  J.  Depuy 
Davis,  William  Donahower,  Peter  S.  Ermold,  Andrew  Fich- 
thorn,  John  Fink,  Franklin  Fricker,  George  W.  Garst,  Reu- 
ben Goodhart,  William  Hagy,  George  W.  Hantsch,  Adam 
Heilman,  Benneville  Hemmig,  Charles  Henninger,  William  B. 
Hertzel,  Jacob  C.  Hoff,  William  Keely,  John  Keppelman,  Sr., 
Henry  Kerper,  John  Kissinger,  John  M.  Kissinger,  William  H. 
Horton,  Artemus  Orth,  Henry  A.  Otto,  Francis  Rambo,  Owen 
O’Reilly,  Adam  Schwenk,  Edward  D.  Smith,  Ernst  Strohdach, 
John  Strohecker,  William  Templin,  Solomon  Weida,  George 
Yeager,  John  E.  Yeager. 

Cause  of  Development. — By  the  foregoing  details  it  is  ap- 
parent that  the  community  then  possessed  a remarkable  spirit  of 
enterprise,  and  that  this  spirit,  stimulated  by  coal,  steam  and 
iron,  caused  the  development  of  Reading  in  its  industrial, 
financial  and  social  affairs.  The  shops  and  factories  were  nu- 
merous and  diversified,  and  they  together  transacted  annually  a 
large  volume  of  business.  The  establishments  were  mostly 
small,  and  employed  only  several  mechanics.  The  iron  works, 
however,  were  large  and  afforded  employment  to  a considerable 
number  of  hands,  especially  the  Philadelphia  & Reading  Rail- 
road Co.  shops,  and  the  Seyfert,  McManus  & Co.  rolling  mill. 
The  major  part  of  their  production  was  shipped  away  by  rail- 
road, canal,  stage  and  private  conveyances,  more  particularly 
cigars,  iron  articles  and  wool  hats. 

From  1850  to  i860,  a number  of  large  establishments  were 
erected,  notably  the  cotton  mill,  woolen  mill,  and  iron  works  of 
different  kinds.  When  the  Civil  War  arose,  there  was  a sudden 
increased  demand  for  all  kinds  of  articles,  and  necessarily  the 
factories  and  shops  were  enlarged,  besides  being  increased  in 
number.  The  statistics  for  the  decade  from  i860  to  1870,  if 
published,  would  show  an  enormous  volume  of  business.  The 
railroad  facilities  for  shipping  goods  were  improved  to  answer 
the  increasing  demands  of  the  manufacturers. 


IOO 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


It  would  be  very  interesting  to  describe  in  detail  the  develop- 
ment of  the  industrial  life  at  Reading  in  its  various  channels  un- 
til the  present  time,  but  the  space  allotted  to  this  chapter  will 
not  permit  it  to  be  done.  The  status  at  the  beginning  of  1898, 
fifty  years  after  the  incorporation  of  the  city,  is  far  beyond  that 
of  1847.  This  will  be  made  apparent  by  comparing  the  fore- 
going statement  with  the  following.  The  improvement  is  truly 
wonderful,  and  the  people  of  Reading  can  show  a pardonable 
pride  in  its  manufacturing  concerns  to  which  it  is  chiefly  in- 
debted for  the  great  increase  of  its  wealth  and  population. 

It  must  be  stated  in  this  connection  that  a similar  improve- 
ment was  made  in  the  dry  goods  establishments.  Some  of  them 
have  grown  into  large  department  stores,  notably  Dives,  Pome- 
roy & Stewart,  C.  K.  Whitner  & Co.,  Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co., 
J.  Mould  & Co.,  J.  C.  Illig  & Bro.,  J.  S.  Shade  & Sons. 
Most . of  the  stores  at  Reading  from  '1750  to  1825  were 
practically  what  the  large  department  stores  are  to-day,  the 
difference  being  in  the  amount  of  stock  carried.  Then  the 
value  was  from  $3,000  to  $30,000;  now  it  is  from  $30,000  to 
$300,000.  After  1825,  as  population  increased,  they  carried 
distinct  lines  of  goods,  and  this  has  been  continued  until  now. 
The  department  stores  began  here  in  1876. 


PART  III. INDUSTRIAL  ESTABLISHMENTS. 

The  following  tabulated  statement  is  presented  to  give  the 
reader  an  idea  of  the  varied  character  of  industries  at  Reading 
in  1898.  The  several  enterprises  are  briefly  described  to  show 
when  they  were  introduced,  and  how  and  by  whom  carried  on, 
as  near  as  the  facts  could  be  ascertained  by  interrogating  nu- 
merous persons  who  were  actively  engaged  in  business  both 
before  and  after  1847.  They  will  be  treated  in  the  order  in  which 
they  appear  in  the  table.  In  many  instances,  information  was 
not  furnished  as  to  investment  and  annual  volume  of  business, 
and  on  that  account  the  total  capital  and  production  in  the  manu- 
facturing business  at  Reading  are  not  given,  much  as  it  was  de- 
sired by  the  compiler  to  do  so.  The  figures  given  were  correct  at 
the  time  of  describing  the  respective  industries.  In  many  cases, 
however,  they  are  known  to  fluctuate  more  or  less,  this  being 
caused  by  parties  embarking  in  enterprises  and  then  suspending 
operations.  The  total  number  exceeds  five  hundred. 


INDUSTRIES. 


IOI 


TABLE  OF  INDUSTRIES  1 898. 


Agricultural  Implements  ...  2 

Badges  2 

Baking,  Bread  etc 53 

Baking,  Bretzels 5 

Baking,  Crackers 2 

Baskets  and  Willow  ware  . . 2 

Bending  Works 1 

Bicycle  Works 8 

Boat-Building 1 

Book-Binding 3 

Boxes,  Cigar 5 

Boxes,  Paper 5 

Boxes,  Packing  cases  ....  1 

Braids  and  Trimmings  ....  1 

Brass  Works  7 

Breweries  and  Bottling  Works.  13 
Brick,  Building  and  Paving  . . 8 

Brick,  Fire 2 

Brick,  Vitrified . 2 

Brooms 10 

Brushes  4 

Candies  5 

Carpets 8 

Carriages,  Wagons  and  Wheels  7 

Cement  Paving 3 

Cigars no 

Clothing 5 

Cold  Storage 2 

Cotton  Goods 

Muslin 1 

Batting 1 

Hosiery  . 18 

Underwear 1 

Handkerchiefs 1 

Aprons,  dresses  and  waists  1 

Overalls 1 

Creameries 3 

Department  Stores 6 

Electricity,  Construction  ...  9 

Electricity,  Light  and  Power  . 1 

Express  Companies 2 

Express,  Local 20 

Fertilizers  1 

Fire  Apparatus 1 

Flour 2 

Furniture — 


Galvanizing  and  Nickel-plating  2 

Gas 1 

Glass 1 

Glue 1 

Green-houses 6 

Gun  making 2 

Hats  and  Caps  . 

Wool 6 

Fur 5 

Caps  .........  1 

Horse  collars 2 

Ice  . 6 

Ice  Cream 7 

Iron  (48) 

Boilers 6 

Boiler  plate 1 

Bolts,  Nuts,  etc 3 

Cutlery  and  Edge  Tools  2 

Engines 4 

Fences  and  Grill  work  . 3 

Files 1 

Fire  escapes 1 

Furnaces 3 

Hardware 3 

Knitting  Machines  . . , 2 

Machinery 5 

Nails 1 

P.&R.  Works.  ...  4 

Pig 2 

Pipes 2 

Projectiles  and  Steel  . . 1 

Radiators . 1 

Sheet 1 

Stoves  and  Heaters  . . 2 

Jewelry 3 

Laundries 15 

Leather  (tanned) 3 

Malt  . . . .t 2 

Marble  and  Granite  Works  . . 4 

Mattresses 1 

Metallic  Cornices 3 

Oil  Refinery 1 

Optical  Instruments 1 

Organs  and  pianos — 

Paints 4 

Paper,  Book  and  Manilla  ...  3 


102 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Paper  Bags  

Patterns . . 

Perfumery 

Photographs  and  Portraits  . 
Picture  Frames,  Gilding,  etc. 

Planing  Mils 

Potteries 

Pulleys 

Ropes,  Cordage,  etc 

Rubber  Tires 

Shirts 

Shoes  

Silk 


2 Soap  and  Candles 

1 Spalls  and  Sand 

3 Spectacles 

8 j Spices 

2 } Stained  Glass 

7 Steam  Heating 

i Stencils  and  Rubber  Stamps  . 

i ! Terra  Cotta  Ware 

i | Tin  Plate 

i Trunks  

7 Umbrellas 

i Washing  Machines 

i | Woolen  Goods 


z 

5 

i 

1 

2 

1 

2 
I 
I 
I 
I 

3 

3 


AGRICULTURAL  IMPLEMENTS. 

Agricultural  implements  were  made  at  Reading  at  an  early- 
period  and  continued  to  be  for  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
years.  Before  1840  this  branch  of  industry  was  carried  on  exten- 
sively by  different  individuals;  among  them  Adam  Waid,  Jacob 
Ahrens  and  M.  Kirkpatrick.  Samuel  Lessig  began  in  1849, 
and  continued  until  1887. 

Lessig  Bros. — In  1858,  Matthias  Raser,  of  Reading,  invented 
the  first  lever  horse-rake.  Lessig  then  obtained  a half  interest 
in  the  invention,  and  in  1859  improved  it.  For  ten  years  he 
manufactured  and  sold  large  numbers  of  them.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  sons,  George  and  Charles,  in  1887,  and  they  have 
carried  on  business  since  then.  By  competition  and  the  intro- 
duction of  implements  from  the  west,  their  productions  are  con- 
fined to  fodder-cutters  and  cultivators  which  they  produce  in 
limited  quantities.  Their  business  is  mostly  general  repairs. 

Knoll  & Althouse.  — James  H.  Knoll  and  Nathan  S.  Althouse, 
trading  as  Knoll  & Althouse,  have  made  cultivators  and  fodder 
cutters  since  1886.  For  some  years,  they  produced  large  quan- 
tities and  shipped  them  to  different  parts  of  the  country;  but 
since  1895  they  have  gradually  directed  their  attention  to  wash- 
ing machines,  in  which  connection  the  plant  is  described.  Their 
annual  production  in  implements  amounts  to  $3000. 


BADGES. 

Readhig  Ribbon  Badge  Co. — Julius  Weber  began  the  manu- 
facture of  badges  in  Exeter  township  in  a limited  way  before 
i860.  In  1876  he  removed  to  Reading  and  established  the 
business  at  Eleventh  and  Spruce  streets,  where  he  erected  a two- 


BAKERIES. 


103 


story  brick  factory,  adding'  the  making  of  flags  and  banners. 
The  business  was  carried  on  under  the  name  of  Reading  Ribbon 
Badge  Co.,  and,  Mr.  Weber  dying  in  1896,  has  been  continued 
since  by  his  widow,  with  their  son,  Harry  C.  Weber,  as  mana- 
ger. The  factory  is  equipped  with  the  finest  machinery,  and 
has  a capatity  for  10,000  badges  a week.  During  1897  the 
total  number  manufactured  for  various  societies  and  parades 
was  250,000.  The  amount  invested  is  $15,000.  Twenty  hands 
are  employed  constantly,  this  number  increasing  occasionally  to 
thirty.  Hot  press,  steel  and  copper-plate  printing,  lithograph- 
ing, embossing  and  stamping  are  also  carried  on  extensively  in 
the  same  building,  for  which  the  best  machinery  is  used.  In 
this  department  there  are  10  employees. 

Keystone  Ribbon  Badge  Co. — Richard  H.  Bortle  and  James 
E.  Norton  began  making  ribbon  badges  in  1893  and  traded  as 
the  Keystone  Ribbon  Badge  Co.  until  January  1,  1898.  They 
manufactured  all  kinds  of  society  emblems  and  jewels,  silk  flags, 
banners  and  regalias  and  employed  six  hands.  Mr.  Bortle  then, 
became  sole  proprietor  and  he  has  continued  the  business. 

BAKERIES. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  town  until  the  canals  were  put  into 
operation  for  traffic,  the  baking  of  bread,  pies  and  cakes  was  a 
common  custom  with  all  the  housekeepers;  then  the  business  of 
supplying  the  public  with  these  articles  was  introduced  and 
regularly  carried  on.  In  the  past  sixty-five  years,  it  has  grown 
to  great  proportions,  there  being  now  53  bakers.  The  estab- 
lishments described  are  the  largest  and  most  important  of  the 
kind  at  Reading. 

One  of  the  first  persons  at  Reading  to  make  and  sell  bread, 
pies  and  cakes  was  J.  Gottfried  Eben  and  his  bakery  was  situ- 
ated on  the  northeast  corner  of  Second  and  Penn  streets.  He 
emigrated  from  Germany  in  1831  and  then  located  at  Reading. 
He  conducted  the  business  successfully  at  that  place,  and  on 
premises  now  637  Penn  street,  until  his  decease  in  1857. 

Other  persons  early  in  this  business  were  Mollie  Beyerle, 
Charles  Francis  and  David  Goodfellow,  who  mostly  supplied 
boatmen.  Daniel  Mayer  and  Christian  Mayer  carried  it  on. 
extensively  for  many  years. 


104 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


BREAD  MAKING; 

Henry  Schofer  Bakery . — Henry  Schofer  began  baking  in 
1875  at  219  North  Eighth  street  in  a small  way,  delivering 
bread,  pies  and  cakes  with  a hand  cart.  He  gradually  extended 
the  business  until  he  has  made  it  the  largest  of  the  kind  at 
Reading.  He  employs  35  hands;  also  9 teams  foi*  delivering 
the  production  in  Reading,  and  in  Berks  and  the  adjoining  coun- 
ties. The  actual  out-put  for  1897  was  873,645  loaves  of  bread, 
225,760  pies,  62,450  dozen  raised  buns,  etc.,  and  large  quanti- 
ties of  fancy  and  wedding  cakes,  which  required  4,163  barrels 
of  flour.  He  has  in  use  the  most  improved  machinery. 

Mertz  Bake7y. — In  1846,  George  Groetzinger  established  a 
bakery  at  Chestnut  and  Plum  streets.  He  died  several  years 
afterward,  and  his  family  carried  it  on  until  1873,  when  the 
business  was  sold  to  G.  Frederick  Mertz,  who  had  worked  in 
the  establishment  for  five  years  previously,  serving  his  appren- 
ticeship there.  Two  hands  were  employed  then  and  one  de- 
livery wagon.  Mr.  Mertz  continued  the  bakery  until  April  1, 
1898,  during  the  25  years  enlarging  the  plant  and  coming  to 
employ  7 hands,  to  run  4 teams  and  to  consume  over  20  barrels 
of  flour  weekly.  He  then  transferred  the  business  to  his  son, 
Albert.  The  trade  is  entirely  with  customers  at  Reading. 

Deem  Bakery . — C.  M.  Deem,  after  serving  one  term  as 
Alderman  of  Second  ward,  from  1880  to  1885,  embarked  in  the 
general  baking  business  at  710  Chestnut  street.  He  has  con- 
tinued until  now.  He  employs  4 hands,  runs  2 teams,  and  con- 
sumes about  15  barrels  of  flour  weekly.  Trade  is  local. 

Goodman  Bakery.  — Howard  L.  Goodman  began  a general 
bakery  in  1882  at  Franklin  and  Lemon  streets.  Since  then  he 
has  been  very  successful,  employing  now  16  persons,  and  deliv- 
ering bread,  etc.,  in  Reading  with  5 wagons. 

Miller  Bakery. — In  1889,  James  A.  Schofer  and  William  S. 
Miller,  as  Schofer  & Miller,  started  a bakery  at  931  Douglass 
street,  and  carried  on  the  business  until  1891,  when  they  dis- 
solved partnership.  Mr.  Miller  has  continued  it  until  now.  He 
employs  8 men,  has  3 delivery  teams,  and  consumes  20  barrels 
of  flour  weekly. 

James  A.  Schofer  Bakery. — James  A.  Schofer  engaged  in  the 
bakery  business  in  1894  at  108  South  Fifth  street,  directing  his 


BAKERY  OF  HENRY  SCHOFER. 


BAKING. 


105 


attention  chiefly  to  pastry  and  fancy  cakes,  and  also  catering. 
Hands  employed,  11;  teams,  3;  flour  consumed,  7 barrels 
weekly. 

CRACKER  BAKING. 

Wertz  Factory . — Frederick  S.  and  Augustus  C.  Wertz,  trad- 
ing as  F.  S.  Wertz  & Co.,  started  the  manufacture  of  crackers 
and  cakes  at  120  South  Third  street  in  1879  with  5 hands,  and 
they  consumed  about  4 barrels  of  flour  daily.  They  continued 
the  business  successfully  until  February,  1898,  greatly  increas- 
ing their  production  and  extending  their  sales  through  Pennsyl- 
vania, Delaware  and  Maryland.  Employees,  40  to  50;  invest- 
ment, $45,000;  annual  wages,  $15,000;  and  annual  product, 
$100,000.  They  then  sold  their  business  to  the  National  Biscuit 
Co.  of  Chicago,  111.,  with  A.  C Wertz  as  manager. 

Mitchell  Factory. — David  Mitchell  began  the  manufacture  of 
crackers  and  confectionery  in  1853,  and  the  business  has  been 
carried  on  until  now.  The  production  is  sold  in  all  parts  of 
Pennsylvania.  Employees,  11. 

Others,  engaged  in  this  branch  of  baking  business,  are  C.  A. 
Muntz,  Andrew  Denschielmann  and  Addison  Geyer. 

BRETZEL  BAKING. 

Lichtenthaeler  Factory. — In  i860,  Benjamin  Lichtenthaeler 
began  the  manufacture  of  cracker  bretzels  of  a superior  char- 
acter which  became  very  popular  and  he  carried  on  the  business 
at  37  Apple  street  successfully  until  his  decease  in  1893.  Dur- 
ing that  time  he  developed  a very  large  trade  with  an  annual 
product  of  about  2000  barrels.  Since  his  death,  the  business 
has  been  continued  by  the  Lichtenthaeler  Bretzel  Co. 

Fdendricks  & Adams  Factory. — John  S.  Hendricks  and  John 
T.  Adams  were  employed  in  the  Lichtenthaeler  factory  for 
many  years  until  1893,  when  they  started  in  the  business  for 
themselves  at  335  Cherry  street  and  there  they  have  carried  it 
on  successfully  until  now.  They  employ  8 men,  operate  2 
ovens  and  manufacture  over  4000  barrels  annually.  Invest- 
ment, $5,000;  annual  product,  $12,000. 

BASKETS. 

Cook  Factory. — In  1867  John  Cook  began  making  baskets  of 
all  kinds  and  sizes  out  of  willow,  reed  and  rattan.  In  1872,  he 


io6 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


took  his  son  George  S.  into  partnership  and  they  have  traded 
since  as  J.  Cook  & Son.  Their  trade  is  local.  They  employ 
two  hands  and  produce  annually  5000  baskets. 

Wunder  Factory. — William  L.  Wunder  began  making  willow 
ware,  consisting  of  baskets  and  baby  carriages,  in  1883  at  529 
Tenn  square.  He  has  continued  in  the  same  location  until  now, 
employing  3 hands  and  forwarding  large  quantities  into  all  parts 
of  the  country. 

BENDING  WORKS. 

Leippe  Works. — In  1859  Jacob  A.  Leippe  started  a bending* 
works  at  Lancaster,  and,  after  carrying  it  on  until  1880,  removed 
to  Reading  where  he  established  his  enterprise  at  Second  and 
Franklin  streets.  He  manufactured  carriage  shafts  and  rims. 
He  died  in  1888  when  his  sons,  J.  Harry  and  Charles  E. , suc- 
ceeded him,  who  have  since  traded  under  the  name  of  Jacob  A. 
Leippe’ s Sons.  They  selected  the  “anchor”  as  their  trade 
mark,  and  so  named  the  works.  Their  business  has  been  ex- 
tended until  now  they  ship  goods  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  South  America,  Europe,  Africa  and  Australia.  Invest- 
ment, $40,000;  employees,  50;  annual  wages,  $20,000;  and 
product,  $60,000. 


BICYCLES. 

The  credit  of  introducing  the  bicycle  business  at  Reading  is 
due  to  W.  Irving  Wilhelm.  He  began  making  repairs  to  bicycles 
in  1886,  in  the  machine  shop  of  his  father,  W.  Harry  Wilhelm, 
at  the  foot  of  Bingaman  street,  and  in  1889  the  establishment 
turned  out  the  first  bicycles,  called  the  “Wilhelm.”  The  busi- 
ness was  carried  on  there 
until  1894,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Hamburg  and 
erected  a factory  at  that 
place. 

John  G.  Xander  was 
in  Wilhelm’s  employ  for 
a while;  then  started  a 
bicycle  repair  shop.  After  continuing  this  for  several  years,  he 
began  making  a bicycle  called  the  “Neversink”  in  a small 
factory  at  Fourth  and  Cherry  streets.  This  was  in  1891.  And 


BICYCLES. 


107 


in  1892  the  Acme  Bicycle  Co.  was  formed  by  James  C.  Reber 
for  manufacturing  the  “Stormer.”  From  this  beginning,  a 
business  was  instituted  at  Reading  that  developed  wonderfully, 
and  in  ten  years  the  capi- 
tal invested  was  nearly 
$400,000;  employees, 

1,200;  wages,  $500,000; 
production,  58,000  bicy- 
cles worth  $1,750,000, 
which  were  shipped  by  the 
several  establishments  to 
all  parts  of  the  world. 

The  bicycle  was  introduced  at  Reading  in  1880;  and  the  first 
five  were  brought  here  by  Edward  E.  Stetson,  Frederick  H. 
Muhlenberg,  Paul  D.  Millholland,  Charles  G.  Willson  and 
Harry  O.  Roller,  in  the  order  named.  Now  it  is  believed  that 
there  are  5,000  in  use.  The  first  woman  rider  here  was  Mrs. 
W.  Irving  Wilhelm,  and  the  next,  Miss  Abdullah  Jack,  (now 
the  wife  of  Charles  R.  Guldin)  who  became  a very  expert  rider. 

In  1883  the  first  bicycle  club  was  organized,  called  the 
“Reading”  and  when  it  disbanded  in  1888,  it  had  sixty  mem- 
bers. It  was  succeeded  in  that  year  by  the  “Penn.”  The 

“Electric”  was  formed 
in  1895;  the  “American” 
and  “South  End”  in 
1897.  All  of  them  have 
a large  membership. 

The  first  bicycle  meet 
was  held  by  the  “Read- 
ing” club  in  the  Fair  Grounds  at  the  head  of  Penn  street  in 
1885.  Others  were  held  since,  which  were  largely  patronized. 

Acme  Manufacturing  Co.  was  organized  in  1892  by  James 
C.  Reber  and  the  manufacture  of  the  “Stormer”  bicycle  was 
started  in  a factory  at  Fourth  and  Cherry  streets.  In  1894  the 
factory  was  transferred  into  larger  quarters  on  Court  near  Tenth 
street  to  accommodate  the  increasing  business,  and  the  company 
was  incorporated  with  a capital  of  $100,000.  In  1896  a supe- 
rior large  brick  structure  was  erected  by  the  company  at  Elm 
and  Poplar  streets  to  supply  the  great  demands  for  its  bicycles, 
evidencing  their  popularity  in  all  parts  of  the  world.  Employ- 


io8 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


ees  from  $oo  to  600;  annual  wages  over  $250,000;  production 
for  1897,  3r>ooo  bicycles.  Officers:  James  T.  Reber,  president; 


Morris  B.  Reber,  secretary;  James  C.  Reber,  treasurer  and 
manager. 


ACME  BICYCLE  WORKS. 


BICYCLES.  IO9 

Relay  Manufacturing  Co.  was  organized  in  1892  by  John  R. 
Miller  and  George  Ziegler  and  started  with  6 hands,  making  the 
“Relay”  bicycle  on  Cherry  near  Fourth  street.  The  business 
increased  rapidly  and  the  factory  was  removed  to  753  Cherry 
street  in  1893.  After  remaining  there  two  years,  larger  quarters 
had  to  be  provided,  and  a brick  building  at  208  Maple  street 
was  purchased,  improved  and  equipped  with  the  best  machinery, 
where  the  business  is  now  carried  on.  The  product  is  shipped 
to  all  parts  of  the  world.  Annual  production,  10,000  bicycles; 
employees  from  150  to  200;  annual  wages,  $65,000.  Pres., 
John  R.  Miller;  sec.,  Keyser  Fry;  treas.,  J.  W.  Minnig. 

Reading  Standard  Manufacturmg  Co.  was  organized  in  1896 
for  the  manufacture  of  the  “Reading  Standard”  bicycle.  The 
factory  is  situated  on  River  street  above  the  Lancaster  bridge, 
in  the  Remppis  Iron  Works  building.  Investment  $100,000  ; 


READING  STANDARD  MANUFACTURING  CO. 

employees,  150;'  annual  wages,  $55,000;  annual  product,  10,000 
bicycles,  which  are  forwarded  to  all  parts  of  the  world,  but 
principally  United  States,  England  and  Germany.  Officers: 
William  F.  Remppis,  pres. ; Thomas  P.  Merritt,  treas. 


no 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Packer  Cycle  Co. — G.  D.  Packer,  of  New  York,  came  to 
Reading  in  1895,  and  began  manufacturing  bicycles  on  Cherry 
near  Eighth  street,  trading  as  the  Packer  Cycle  Co.  During 
1897,  the  factory  employed  from  50  to  75  hands,  and  produced 
3,000  bicycles,  which  were  forwarded  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Investment,  $ 20,000 ; annual  business,  $75,000;  an- 
nual wages,  $13,000. 

Keystone  Cycle  Co.  was  organized  in  1895,  by  Evan  L.  Shomo, 
Milton  L.  Ritter,  D.  Wellington  Dietrich,  Frank  R.  Wagner 
and  Herbert  R.  Green,  for  the  manufacture  of  bicycles.  Their 
particular  makes  are  the  “Spin-away”  and  “Kyte.  ” The  fac- 
tory is  situated  in  West  Reading.  They  manufacture  7,000 
wheels  annually,  which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  world. 
Investment,  $40,000;  employees,  75;  and  annual  wages, 
$20,000.  Officers:  Evan  L.  Shomo,  pres.;  D.  Wellington 
Dietrich,  sec. ; M.  L.  Ritter,  treas. 

Reading  Cycle  Manufacturing  Co.  was  organized  in  1896  for 
the  manufacture  of  bicycles  named  the  “Vindex”  and  “Vindex 
Grand.”  The  company  has  manufactured  5,000  annually,  and 
shipped  them  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  Employees,  150;  an- 
nual wages,  $75,000;  product,  $200,000;  investment,  $75,000. 
The  factory  is  located  at  Tenth  and  Exeter  streets.  Officers: 
H.  C England,  pres.;  D.  J.  Driscoll,  treas.;  and  George  A. 
Heckman,  sec. 

Millholland  Tube  Works. — In  1893,  this  company  was  in- 
corporated with  a capital  of  $20,000  for  the  manufacture  of  high 
grade  bicycle  tubing  and  established  its  works  along  the  Leba- 
non Valley  railroad  at  Gordon  street.  It  employs  50  hands 
and  has  an  annual  product  of  $100, ooq,  which  is  disposed  of 
mostly  to  bicycle  establishments  at  Reading.  Many  orders  are 
also  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  country.  Officers:  W. 
Bravton  McKnight,  president;  Henry  Millholland,  treasurer  and 
general  manager. 

McConnell  Bicycle  Bell  Factory. — In  1893  Joseph  F.  McCon- 
nell and  Miller  M.  Deem  began  nickel-plating,  polishing  and 
manufacturing  brass  castings  and  metal  specialties  on  Court  be- 
low Second  street  in  a limited  way.  In  1894  they  removed  to 
Eighth  and  Oley  streets  where  the  business  is  now  carried  on  by 
Mr.  McConnell.  In  1897,  the  McConnell  bicycle  bell  was 


BOOK  BINDING. 


Ill 


added  to  the  list  of  specialties.  Orders  are  shipped  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States  and  Europe.  Investment,  $ 6,000 ; 
employees,  30;  annual  wages,  $12,000;  product,  $30,000. 

BOAT  BUILDING. 

Before  the  completion  of  the  Schuylkill  canal,  grain,  wool 
hats,  whiskey  and  various  manufactured  articles  were  shipped 
by  flat-bottomed  boats  on  the  river  to  Philadelphia,  which  were 
generally  floated  down  by  the  current  of  the  stream.  These 
boats  were  made  at  Reading  but  the  business  was  limited  in  ex- 
tent. After  the  canal  had  been  put  into  operation,  boat-build- 
ing became  an  established  industry,  and  a number  of  docks  or 
yards  were  carried  on  successfully  for  many  years.  The  boats 
varied  in  size,  extending  in  capacity  from  80  to  200  tons.  The 
docks  were  located  along  the  canal  from  a point  several  hundred 
feet  beyond  the  Leb.  Val.  R.  R.  bridge  to  Jackson’s  Lock  at  the 
foot  of  Sixth  street.  The  prominent  builders  were  Samuel 
Krauser,  David  Ely,  Wm.  Hiester,  Peter  Krick,  Adam  Waid, 
Wm.  Call  and  Jerome  Ringler.  Hiester’ s son  John  has  continued 
the  business  until  now.  His  dock  is  opposite  the  gas  works. 
He  built  the  last  boat  in  1889.  Since  then  he  has  been  engaged 
mostly  in  repairing  boats.  He  built  several  steam-boats  for 
excursion  purposes  in  conveying  persons  to  the  several  resorts 
along  the  river  between  Reading  and  the  big  dam,  and  runs 
them  every  year  during  the  summer  season. 

BOOK  BINDERIES. 

Isaac  W.  Harper  moved  from  Philadelphia  to  Reading  in 
1835  and  established  the  first  book  bindery  which  he  conducted 
until  his  death  in  1874.  His  place  of  business  was  at  647  Penn 
street  for  35  years.  Mr.  Harper  also  established  the  first  cir- 
culating library  at  Reading,  and  carried  it  on  until  he  died.  He 
had  from  3,000  to  4,000  books. 

George  Kesserling  was  next  to  engage  in  the  business.  His 
place  was  on  South  Sixth  street  near  Penn,  and  he  continued 
there  until  1858.  He  then  sold  out  to  Christian  Fried  who  car- 
ried it  on  until  1886.  His  factory  for  the  greater  part  of  the 
time  was  on  Cherry  near  Seventh  street. 

Taenzer  Bros. — Engel  Bros,  came  from  New  Orleans  to 
Reading  in  1869,  and  were  extensive  book-binders  until  1885. 


I 12 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


They  were  located  on  Penn  street  below  Fourth.  Taenzer  Bros, 
succeeded  them,  and  have  been  engaged  in  the  business  until 
now  at  420  Court  street. 

Heller. — John  L.  Oberlies  established  a book- bindery  in  the 
rear  portion  of  the  Keystone  hotel  on  the  second  floor  in  1881, 
and  carried  it  on  for  two  years  when  he  sold  the  business  to 
Charles  F.  Heller  who  conducted  it  there  until  1889,  when  he 
removed  to  632  Washington  street.  He  started  with  3 hands 
and  now  employs  from  15  to  20.  He  manufactures  all  kinds  of 
blank,  printed  and  general  book  work.  Investment,  $10,000. 
His  factory  is  equipped  with  the  latest  machinery  and  appliances. 
It  is  the  largest  in  Reading. 

Wonnberger.  — Herman  C.  Wonnberger  began  in  1894  at 
Sixth  and  Walnut  streets,  and  continued  there  until  February, 
1898,  when  he  removed  to  47  Reed  street.  He  started  with  4 
hands,  now  he  employs  14.  He  manufactures  blank  books  of 
all  kinds,  and  does  the  business  of  a general  book  binder.  In- 
v estment,  $4,000;  annual  product,  $6,000. 

BOX  FACTORIES. — CIGAR  BOXES. 

Thalheimer  Factory.  — Albert  Thalheimer  learned  the  manu- 
facturing of  cigar  boxes  at  Philadelphia  with  Frederick  Brecht. 
He  came  to  Reading  in  1866,  and  began  business  for  himself  in 
a small  way  at  Ninth  and  Elm  streets.  He  traveled  through 
different  sections  of  this  and  the  adjoining  counties,  soliciting 
orders  which  he  filled  upon  returning  home.  In  1868  he  located 
at  143  Cedar  street;  employed  6 hands,  and  produced  800 
boxes  weekly.  He  has  continued  there  until  the  present  time, 
having  enlarged  the  factory  four  times  to  meet  the  growing  de- 
mands of  his  trade.  He  now  employs  6a  hands  and  produces 
12,000  boxes  weekly.  Investment,  $40,000;  annual  wages, 
$12,000;  and  product,  $50,000.  In  1895,  his  son  Emanuel 
became  a partner,  the  firm  trading  as  A.  Thalheimer  & Son. 
Their  trade  extends  through  Pennsylvania  and  a part  of  New 
York.  They  have  secured  various  patents  for  manufacturing 
cigar  makers’  supplies,  in  which  they  do  an  extensive  business. 

For  a number  of  years,  Frederick  Brecht  was  the  oldest  cigar- 
box  maker  in  the  United  States  and  Mr.  Thalheimer  the  second 
oldest.  Mr.  Brecht  died  in  the  Fall  of  1847  and  since  that  time 
Mr.  Thalheimer  has  been  the  oldest. 


BOOK  BINDERY  OF  CHARLES  F.  HELLER. 


PAPER  BOXES. 


113 

Ficlithorn  Factory. — E.  R.  Fichthorn  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  cigar  boxes  in  1878  on  Cherry  near  Third  street.  In 
1892  he  removed  to  145  Pearl  street,  and  has  continued  there 
until  the  present  time.  He  produces  4000  boxes  weekly,  which 
are  supplied  to  local  cigar  manufacturers.  Investment,  $5,000; 
annual  product,  $10,000;  and  wages,  $3,500. 

Boyer  & Heilig  Factory. — In  1886,  Andrew  S.  Boyer  and 
Qeorge  W.  Heilig,  trading  as  Boyer  & Heilig,  started  making 
cigar  boxes  with  2 men,  and  a daily  production  of  300  boxes. 
The  factory  is  at  202  Cedar  street.  They  now  employ  25  per- 
sons and  produce  1500  boxes  daily.  Investment  $10,000;  an- 
nual wages,  $5,000;  product,  $30,000.  Trade  local. 

Brown  Bros. — In  1890  Nathan  Y.  Brown  and  Willard 
Edgett  began  manufacturing  cigar  boxes,  and  continued  until 
1893,  when  they  dissolved,  Edgett  remaining  at  Seventh  and 
Court  streets,  and  Brown  removing  to  Sixth  and  Cherry  streets 
where  he  continued  the  business  as  N.  Y.  Brown  & Co.,  until 
1897.  He  employed  20  to  25  hands  and  produced  daily  1200 
boxes.  In  May,  1897,  the  factory  was  removed  to  Eighth  and 
Spring  streets,  where  it  has  remained  until  now  with  the  same 
number  of  hands  and  the  same  production.  Investment,  $2,500; 
annual  wages,  $8,000;  product,  $18,000.  Business  mostly 
local. 

Edgett  Factory. — Willard  Edgett  began  in  1893.  His  factory 
is  at  Seventh  and  Court  streets:  'He  turns  out  daily  from  1200 
to  1500  boxes,  and  employs  15  hands. 

PAPER  BOXES. 

Weber  Factory. — In  1853,  Julius  Weber  began  making 
paper  boxes  for  packing  and  shipping  hats,  and  this  business 
has  continued  until  now,  being  carried  on  in  connection  with 
Badge- Making.  Employees,  10;  product,  50  dozen  daily, 
which  are  supplied  to  hat  manufacturers  at  Reading. 

Standard  Paper  Box  Co. — In  1875  Abraham  Trate  began 
making  paper  hat  boxes  at  627  South  Sixth  street,  and  continued 
the  business  until  1890.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son-in-law 
John  H.  Johnson,  who  removed  the  factory  to  517  South  Fifth 
street  and  carried  it  on  until  1894,  (excepting  several  months  by 
Dotts  & Jennings.)  The  Standard  Paper  Box  Co.  was  then 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


I 14 

formed  by  Daniel,  Irwin,  Ella  and  Lucy  Huyett.  They 
purchased  the  plant  and  have  conducted  it  until  now.  They 
manufacture  all  kinds  of  paper  boxes;  produce  30,000  weekly 
and  employ  30  hands;  annual  business,  $20,000. 

Engle  Factory. — William  H.  Engle  started  making  all  kinds 
of  paper  boxes  in  1886,  at  443  South  Fifth  street,  employing 
only  2 hands,  and  producing  600  boxes  monthly.  In  1893,  he 
established  his  factory  in  the  Yocum  building,  Seventh  and  Wal- 
nut streets.  He  employs  40  hands  and  operates  14  machines 
and  makes  exclusively  boxes  for  small  hardware.  Annual  wages, 
$6,000;  product,  125,000  boxes,  which  are  delivered  to  the 
Reading  Hardware  Co. 

Reading  Paper  Box  Co.  was  formed  in  1892  by  Louis 
Kraemer,  Louis  F.  Kraemer,  George  A.  Wanner,  J.  Edward 
Wanner,  Howard  P.  Wanner,  F.  S.  Livingood  and  Charles  M. 
Steinmetz  for  manufacturing  paper  boxes  of  all  kinds.  A large 
local  trade  has  been  developed,  and  30  persons  are  employed. 
The  business  is  carried  on  at  239  Cedar  street.  The  com- 
pany was  incorporated  with  a capital  of  $12,500.  Officers: — 
J.  Ed.  Wanner,  pres.;  George  A.  Wanner,  sec.  and  treas. ; 

C.  M.  Steinmetz,  manager. 

Mt.  Pe7in  Paper  Box  Co.  was  organized  in  1894  by  Reuben 
.Sindel,  J.  A.  Sindel,  E.  H.  Sindel,  John  Stott  and  William 

D.  Jesberg,  for  the  manufacture  of  paper  boxes  of  all  kinds  and 
sizes.  They  began  operations  with  15  hands  at  527  South  Sixth 
street,  producing  10,000  boxes  weekly.  In  1895  they  removed 
to  a large  factory  at  31 1 Bingaman  street,  They  employ  22 
hands,  and  produce  15,000  boxes  weekly,  which  they  deliver 
mostly  to  local  trade. 


WOODEN  BOXES. 

Deysher  Factory.  — Jacob  H.  Deysher  was  a lumber  dealer  at 
Reading  from  1845  to  i860;  then  he  started  a box  factory  on 
Third  street  below  Pine  and  carried  it  on  until  his  decease  in 
1888.  He  started  with  1 hand  and  in  1888  he  had  a 5 hands. 
His  widow,  Mrs.  Annie  K.  Deysher,  continued  the  business 
until  1894  when  it  was  transferred  to  their  son,  Abner  S. 
Deysher.  The  product  is  wooden  boxes,  used  for  shipping- 
hats;  also  crates  for  bicycles. 


NATIONAL  BRASS  AND  IRON  WORKS. 


BRASS  WORKS. 


115 


BRAIDS  AND  TRIMMINGS. 

Reading  Braid  Co.  was  organized  in  1894  by  the  persons 
constituting  the  Reading  Paper  Box  Co.,  for  making  braids  and 
trimmings  of  all  kinds.  Their  place  of  business  is  in  the  factory 
of  that  company,  and  they  have  developed  a large  trade  which 
extends  throughout  the  .United  States.  Investment,  $30,000; 
employees,  75;  annual  wages,  $10,000.  The  company  was  in- 
corporated. Officers:  F.  S.  Livingood,  pres.;  C.  M.  Stein- 
metz,  sec.  and  treas.;  Frederick  W.  Klein,  superintendent. 

BRASS  WORKS* 

Brass  foundries  have  been  carried  on  by  the  Philadelphia  and 
Reading  Railroad  company  at  Seventh  and  Franklin  streets  in 
connection  with  the  machine  shop  since  its  erection  there  in 
1838.  Besides  the  general  brass  work  done,  all  the  engine  bells 
used  on  the  roads  were  cast  there.  Calvin  Goodman  was  fore- 
man of  that  department  from  i860  to  1886,  when  he  resigned 
to  fill  the  position  of  postmaster  of  Reading. 

A foundry  of  this  kind  has  been  conducted  with  the  machine 
shop  of  Davies,  Printz  & Co.,  since  its  erection;  also  by  the 
Reading  Hardware  Works,  and  Penn  Hardware  Works. 

Comiard  Foundry. — In  1853  James  L.  Douglas,  an  expert 
machinist  of  Reading,  began  the  manufacture  of  brass  castings 
and  general  machinery  at  Sixth  and  Chestnut  streets.  In  1854 
Henry  Connard  associated  with  him  and  from  that  time  until 
1896  they  carried  on  business  under  the  name  of  Douglas  & 
Connard,  when  Mr.  Douglas  withdrew  from  the  firm.  The 
enterprise  was  started  with  two  brass  furnaces,  which  were  in- 
creased to  seven.  Previous  to  i860  there  was  a much  greater 
variety  of  general  machinery  work  done  than  since  that  time. 
Men  employed,  15;  investment,  $50,000;  annual  wages, 
$10,000. 

National  Brass  and  Iron  Works  was  incorporated  in  1891, 
by  Hiram  K.  Getz,  Harvey  H.  Shomo,  John  G.  Mohn,  William 
H.  Mohn  and  W.  W.  Light,  for  manufacturing  art  metal  goods 
such  as  lamps,  tables,  cabinets,  mirrors,  frames,  decorative 
globes,  statuettes,  etc.  and  electroplating  in  all  its  forms.  They 
established  a large  plant  at  Green  and  Tulpehocken  streets,  ad- 
joining the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad,  with  an  investment  of  $185,- 
000;  annual  product,  $225,000,  and  wages,  $50,000.  They 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


1 16 

employ  150  hands  and  ship  goods  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States,  also  Great  Britain  and  colonies,  with  a foreign  office  at 
London  John  G.  Mohn  is  president  and  Harvey  H.  Shomo 
secretary  and  treasurer. 

Reading  Brass  Foundry  Co. — George  W.  Miller  and  Heber 
Buckwalter  began  January  1,  1897,  manufacturing  all  kinds  of 
brass  gas  fixtures  at  120  Penn  street  for  local  trade.  Employees 
8;  investment,  $1,500;  annual  product,  $10,000. 

Excelsior  Foundry. — Charles  K.  Dick  and  George  A.  Wick- 
le-in  began  January  1,  1897,  trading  as  the  Excelsior  Brass 
Foundry  and  Pattern  Works  for  the  manufacture  of  all  kinds 
of  fancy  brass  castings,  and  soon  developed  a trade  that  extended 
into  all  parts  of  the  country.  Location  on  Eighth  below  Chest- 
nut street;  employees  5;  product  $10,000. 

Kline  Foundry. — J.  W.  Kline  started  a brass  foundry  at 
Second  and  Beech  streets  in  1897,  for  manufacturing  all  kinds 
of  aluminum  and  brass  castings.  Fine  chandeliers  are  a 
specialty.  He  employs  10  hands. 

BREWERIES. 

The  brewing  business  was  carried  on  at  Reading  before  1770, 
but  the  beer  was  light  in  character,  limited  in  quantity  and 
wholly  for  local  consumption.  It  was  not  carried  on  extensively 
until  after  1847. 

Lauer  Brewery. — In  1823  George  Lauer,  a German  from 
Bavaria,  settled  at  Womelsdorf  in  Berks  county,  and  began 
brewing  beer  and  ale  at  that  place.  He  removed  to  Reading  in 
1826,  and  established  a brewery  at  Third  and  Chestnut  streets, 
which  he  operated  until  1835,  when  his  son  Frederick  became 
the  proprietor.  The  plant  was  enlarged  gradually,  and  in  1866 
an  additional  plant  was  started  at  Third  and  Elm  streets.  Mr. 
Lauer  was  a very  enterprising  man  and  showed  much  interest  in 
the  development  of  Reading.  . He  died  in  1883,  and  his  sons, 
Frank  P.  and  George  F. , succeeded  him.  The  plants  together 
constitute  the  largest  brewing  establishment  at  Reading.  They 
are  operated  by  the  Lauer  Brewing  Co.  An  ice  plant  is  carried 
on  in  connection  with  the  brewery  which  produces  about  50  tons 
of  ice  daily  for  local  consumption.  Total  annual  production  of 
beer,  porter  and  ale  is  60,000  barrels,  which  are  mostly  delivered 


BREWERIES.  II7 

to  customers  at  Reading,  some  being  forwarded  to  Schuylkill 
county.  Employees,  50.  Investment,  $500,000. 

Deppen' s Brewery.—  Nicholas  A.  Felix  started  a brewery  in 
1845  at  Tenth  and  Chestnut  streets,  naming  it  “Spring  Garden,” 
for  manufacturing  beer,  porter  and  ale,  and  conducted  the  same 
until  his  decease  in  1874.  The  estate  carried  on  the  business 
for  five  years  when  Dr.  William  P.  Deppen,  his  son-in-law,  be- 
came the  owner  and  he  has  operated  the  plant  until  now. 

Keystone  Brewery. — In  1850  Aaron  D.  Hoyer  erected  a 
brewery  on  Fourth  near  Elm  street  and  he  and  his  brother 
, Joseph  carried  it  on  for  some  years.  In  1877  Samuel  C.  Keller 
became  the  owner  and  after  conducting  it  for  seven  years,  Otto 
Eyring  associated  with  him,  trading  as  Keller  & Eyring.  The 
brewery  is  now  operated  by  John  Roehrich  and  George  J. 
Raab.  Employees  12;  product,  9000  barrels  of  beer  and  porter 
which  are  sold  in  Reading  and  vicinity. 

Barbey' s Brewery. — Peter  Barbey  emigrated  from  Bavaria, 
Germany,  to  Philadelphia  in  1857,  and  settled  at  Reading  in 
1859.  In  1861  he  started  in  the  brewing  business,  establishing 
his  plant  at  River  and  Hockley  streets  in  1869.  His  son  John 
became  a partner  in  1880,  the  firm  trading  as  P.  Barbey  & Son. 
The  father  died  in  1897.  The  annual  product  of  the  brewery  is 

50.000  barrels  of  beer  and  porter,  75,000  bushels  of  malt,  and 

18.000  tons  of  ice,  all  delivered  to  customers  at  Reading  and 
vicinity.  Employees,  35. 

Reading  Brewing  Co. — Henry  S.  Eckert,  Jesse  G.  Hawley, 
Wm.  Nolan,  Lewis  Kremp,  Philip  Bissinger  and  several  others 
organized  and  incorporated  the  Reading  Brewing  Co.,  in  1886 
with  a capital  of  $150,000.  They  established  a superior  plant 
on  Ninth  below  Laurel  street  and  have  carried  on  the  business 
until  now.  Employees  20;  annual  product  25,000  barrels, 
which  is  disposed  of  mostly  to  local  customers,  some  being 
shipped  to  surrounding  counties.  Officers:  Philip  Bissinger, 

pres.,  Ferdinand  Winter,  treas. , D.  A.  Wiegner,  sec. 

Stockers' s Brewery. — John  C.  Stocker  and  John  Roehrich  be- 
gan brewing  in  1885  in  Schuylkill  county.  They  removed  their 
business  to  Reading  in  1891,  establishing  a plant  at  the  north- 
ernboundary opposite  the  Fair  Grounds.  Mr.  Roehrich  retired 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Il8 

from  the  firm  in  1897.  Employees,  12;  product,  7000  barrels 
of  beer  and  porter,  which  are  delivered  to  local  customers. 

Muhlenberg  Brewery. — Simpson  Becker,  N.  G.  Rothermel, 
H.  J.  Seidel  and  others  organized  a brewing  company  in  1895 
and  had  the  same  incorporated  with  a capital  of  $75,000  under 
the  name  of  Muhlenberg  Brewing  Co.  They  established  their 
plant  on  the  Kutztown  road,  within  a mile  beyond  the  northern 
limits  of  Reading.  Employees,  12;  product,  9,000  barrels  of 
beer  and  porter  which  are  delivered  to  customers  in  Berks  and 
adjoining  counties. 

BOTTLING  WORKS. 

Fett  & Son.  — John  Fehr  was  engaged  in  the  bottling  business 
on  Cherry  street  below  Seventh  for  some  years  previous  to  1855, 
when  he  sold  out  to  Herman  Floto  who  removed  the  establish- 
ment to  Seventh  street  above  Franklin.  He  increased  the  busi- 
ness, added  a brewery  and  continued  until  1864,  when  he  sold 
out  to  Christian  Shick  and  John  H.  Fett.  In  1865,  they  trans- 
ferred the  works  to  31  and  35  North  Ninth  street.  In  1887  Mr. 
Schick  retired.  Mr.  Fett  conducted  the  business  two  years, 
and  then  introduced  his  son  John  as  a partner;  who  from  that 
time  have  been  trading  as  J.  H.  Fett  & Son.  They  have  4 
teams,  and  their  trade  extends  throughout  Berks  County. 
During  the  summer  season  they  bottle  weekly  about  30  barrels 
and  manufacture  500  dozen  bottles  of  sarsaparilla,  ginger  ale, 
soda,  etc.  Investment,  $22,000;  annual  wages,  $5,000. 

Fries  & Croessant. — G.  William  Fries  and  Herman  J. 
Croessant  began  at  640  Cherry  street  in  1882.  After  remaining 
there  a year,  they  removed  to  215  Moss  street.  They  employ 
7 hands  and  3 teams ; bottle  20  barrels  of  beer,  porter,  etc. ; and 
manufacture  500  dozen  bottles  of  sarsaparilla,  etc.,  weekly. 
Their  trade  is  local.  Investment,  $12,000;  annual  business 
$10,000. 

Fisher. — Adam  W.  Fisher  started  at  114  Penn  street  in  1887 
with  three  hands,  and  bottled  10  barrels  of  beer,  porter,  ale, 
etc.,  weekly.  He  has  continued  the  business  until  now,  bottling 
the  same  quantity.  Investment,  $6,000. 

Excelsior. — T.  J.  Fessler  and  S.  G.  Dunkelberger,  trading 
as  Excelsior  Bottling  Co.,  began  in  1894  at  37  Maple  street. 


BUILDING  BRICK. 


1 19 

They  bottled  weekly  from  20  to  25  barrels  of  beer,  porter  and 
brown-stout,  besides  manufacturing  2,000  dozen  bottles  of 
ginger-ale,  seltzer  and  carbonated  drinks.  Employees,  8;. 
teams,  5;  investment,  $17,000;  annual  business,  $25,000; 
wages,  $2,800. 

Reading. — Frank  B.  Hay  began  bottling  beer,  porter  and  ale 
in  1895  at  Fifth  and  Washington  streets,  trading  as  the  Reading 
Bottling  Works.  Employees,  4 to  8;  investment,  $14,000; 
trade  throughout  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 

Schaufert. — Jacob  Schaufert  started  a bottling  works  on 
Madison  avenue  near  Elm  April  1,  1898.  He  employs  4 hands 
and  bottles  10  barrels  of  beer,  porter,  &c.,  weekly,  which  are  de- 
livered to  customers  in  Reading  and  surrounding  districts. 

BUILDING  BRICK. 

The  business  of  manufacturing  brick  at  Reading  for  building 
purposes  was  started  about  1790.  The  buildings  previous  to 
that  time  were  constructed  of  log,  stone  and  frame;  then  brick 
began  to  be  introduced.  The  first  building  of  this  material  was 
a small  one-story  house  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Seventh  and 
Washington  streets.  It  was  occupied  by  the  First  Reformed 
congregation  for  school  purposes  for  many  years.  The  next 
was  the  Trinity  Lutheran  church  in  1791,  afterward  the  “State 
House,”  the  “Branch  Bank,”  and  the  “Evans  House”  (125. 
South  Fifth  street.) 

In  1840  there  were  at  Reading  nine  kilns,  which  produced 
2,777,oo°.  In  1845,  7,040,000  were  made  by  14  manufactur- 
ers; and  in  1846,  9,208,800  by  17,  with  127  employees. 

Prints  Kilns. — John  H.  Printz  started  making  common  brick 
in  1854.  From  that  time  until  1865  he  had  as  a partner  Michael 
Sands;  afterward  Daniel  D.  Graul.  In  1877  J.  L.  Moyer  be- 
came a partner  and  they  traded  as  Printz,  Graul  & Co.  until 
1880.  In  1883  he  admitted  his  son  Thomas  and  his  son-in-law, 
George  B.  Clouser,  as  partners,  and  they  have  since  traded  as 
J.  H.  Printz  & Co.  Thomas  Printz  died  in  1896.  Their  plant 
is  at  Sixth  and  Spring  streets.  They  employ  from  75  to  100 
hands,  and  produce  about  6,000,000  brick  annually.  They  make 
hand-made,  double-pressed,  single-pressed  and  building  brick; 
also  ornamental  building  brick,  having  150  different  patterns,. 


120 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


and  producing  annually  from  7,000  to  8,000.  They  have  3 
large  kilns.  This  is  the  only  works  in  Pennsylvania  besides 
those  at  Philadelphia  where  ornamental  brick  are  made. 

Kline  Kilns. — Simon  Kline  began  making  brick  at  Reading 
in  1854,  and  he  has  continued  actively  in  the  business  ever  since. 
His  present  plant  is  at  Douglass  and  McKnight  streets,  which  is 
equipped  with  machinery  for  turning  out  common  brick  for 
building  and  paving  purposes.  Investment,  $20,000;  employees, 
from  15  to  25;  annual  product,  1,500,000  brick,  which  are  sold 
at  Reading. 

Parker  Kilns. — Joseph  Parker  and  Henry  Deeter  began 
making  building  and  paving  brick  in  1866.  They  were  suc- 
ceeded by  Robert  Parker  in  1869  and  he  carried  on  the  busi- 
ness until  1882  when  William  H.  Parker  became  the  owner.  Em- 
ployees, 25;  product,  1,200,000,  supplied  to  Reading  builders. 

Bausher  Kilns. — In  1886  T.  D.  Bausher,  trading  as  T.  D. 
Bausher  & Co.,  began  making  hand  made  common  and  pressed 
brick  at  Ninth  and  Pike  streets,  employing  50  hands,  and  pro- 
ducing two  millions,  which  were  sold  to  local  builders.  The 
kilns  have  been  in  operation  since  he  began.  In  1897  only  22 
hands  were  employed,  who  produced  half  a million.  The  re- 
duction was  caused  by  the  competition  of  machine-made  brick. 

Kaltenbach  Kilns. — In  1885  Conrad  Kaltenbach  established 
a brick  works  in  West  Reading  for  making  building  and  pav- 
ing brick,  both  common  and  pressed,  by  machinery,  and  he  has 
conducted  the  same  until  now.  He  employs  about  50  hands 
and  produces  annually,  3,000,000  brick,  which  are  disposed  of 
at  Reading  and  vicinity. 

Drexel  Kilns. — George  W.  Drexel  began  manufacturing 
hand-made  building  and  paving  brick  in  West  Reading  in  1878. 
He  employs  from  20  to  30  hands  and  produces  annually,  1,500,- 
000  brick  which  are  sold  in  Reading  and  vicinity. 

Graul  Cf  Co.  Kilns. — William  P.  Graul  and  Matthias  Moyer, 
trading  as  Graul  & Co.  have  manufactured  common  and  pressed 
building  and  paving  brick  in  West  Reading  since  1885.  They 
have  4 kilns,  produce  annually  6,000,000  brick,  and  employ  120 
hands;  product  sold  at  Reading. 

Boyer  Kilns. — About  i87oStraud  & Katzenmoyer  began  mak- 
ing building  and  paving  brick  in  Cumru  Township,  on  the  Lan- 


MONTELLO  CLAY  AND  BRICK  WORKS. 


FIRE  BRICK. 


I 2 I 


caster  road  near  the  Schuylkill  bridge.  Their  successors  at  that 
place  were  Simon  Kline,  William  M.  Fulton  and  Mrs.  George 
A.  Boyer,  the  last  operating  .the  plant  now.  Employees,  15; 
product,  700,000,  supplied  to  local  builders. 

FIRE  BRICK 

Reading  Fire  Brick  Works. — In  1845  William  A.  Wells  be- 
gan the  manufacture  of  fire  brick  on  Canal  between  Fourth  and 
Fifth  streets.  He  carried  on  the  business  for  some  years,  and 
then  sold  out  to  Isaac  Bertolette  who  continued  the  same  until 
1857,  when  Isaac  McHose  and  Augustus  S.  Thompson  became 
the  owners.  They  traded  under  the  name  of  McHose  & 
Thompson,  and  produced  about  2,000,000  brick  annually.  In 
1865  Levi  Quier  was  admitted  as  a partner,  and  in  1870  Mr. 
Thompson  retired,  and  Jerome  L.  Boyer  became  a partner. 
Then  the  plant  was  enlarged  and  equipped  with  improved  ma- 
chinery. The  capacity  was  increased  to  3,500,000  brick  per 
annum  and  they  employed  from  60  to  70  men.  The  fire-clay 
has  been  obtained  from  New  Jersey  and  the  product  shipped  to 
the  several  furnaces,  rolling  mills  and  foundries  in  the  Schuyl- 
kill and  Lebanon  Valleys,  with  special  orders  sent  to  more  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  country.  In  1889  the  firm  was  incorporated 
under  the  name  of  Reading  Fire  Brick  Works,  McHose  & Co., 
with  a capital  of  $100,000.  Annual  product  now  5,000,000; 
employees,  60.  Officers:  Jerome  L.  Boyer,  pres.;  Edwin  A. 

Quier,  sec. ; Levi  Quier,  treas.  and  general  manager,  having 
been  manager  for  thirty-three  years. 

Eckert  Works. — In  1863  George  J.  Eckert  and  Daniel  Miller 
established  a fire  brick  works  on  Canal  street  near  the  Lancas- 
ter bridge.  In  1865  Mr.  Eckert  became  the  sole  proprietor, 
and  he  has  carried  it  on  since.  Employees,  20;  wages,  $6,000; 
product,  6,000  daily,  disposed  of  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 
(This  place  was  formerly  occupied  by  Darling,  Dotterer  & Co., 
the  first  manufacturers  of  machinery  at  Reading.) 

VITRIFIED  BRICK. 

Montello  Clay  Cf  Brick  Co.  was  organized  by  Howard  L. 
Boas  and  A.  A.  Gery  in  1892  for  the  manufacture  of  building, 
fire,  sewer  and  vitrified  paving  brick,  and  afterward  incorporated 
with  a capital  of  $150,000.  They  established  a large  plant 


122 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


in  Spring  township,  a mile  south  of  Sinking  Springs,  at  a place 
which  they  named  “Montello.”  In  addition  to  six  large  down- 
draft  kilns,  they  also  operate  a continuous  kiln  which  is  the 
largest  of  its  kind  in  the  country  and  capable  of  producing 
daily  45,000  brick.  Employees,  no;  annual  wages,  $40,000; 
annual  product,  30,000,000,  disposed  of  chiefly  at  Reading, 
Philadelphia  and  Wilmington.  These  brick  were  tested  with 
many  others  at  Philadelphia  in  April,  1897,  f°r  public  works 
there  and  they  ranked  first  of  all  in  Pennsylvania.  Officers: 
M.  Harbster,  pres.;  Howard  L.  Boas,  sec.;  A.  A.  Gery,  supt. 

Reading  Shale  Brick  Co. — In  1896  Jas.  K.  Getz,  Hiram  K. 
Getz,  J.  Barbey,  Wm.  H.  Seitzinger  and  P.  E.  Yeager  organized 
the  Reading  Shale  Brick  Co.  for  the  manufacture  of  vitrified  brick. 
Their  plant  is  situated  along  the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad,  one 
mile  west  of  Reading.  They  have  an  inexhaustible  supply  of 
superior  shale,  with  eight  kilns  in  operation.  Daily  product, 
40,000.  Investment,  $75,000;  men  employed,  30.  They  pro- 
duce vitrified,  street,  paving,  sewer  and  building  brick.  Nearly 
the  entire  product  has  been  shipped  to  Philadelphia.  Officers: 
James  K.  Getz,  pres.;  John  Barbey,  treas. ; Wm.  H.  Seitzinger, 
sec.;  P.  E.  Yeager,  supt. 

BROOMS. 

Broom-making  at  Reading  was  an  early  industry,  but  it  was 
carried  on  in  a very  limited  manner.  For  rough  sweeping,  on 
pavements  and  in  stables,  brooms  made  out  of  hickory,  birch 
and  sassafras  twigs  about  two  feet  long  were  commonly  used. 
Henry  H.  Krouse  was  the  first  to  manufacture  corn-brooms  ex- 
tensively, having  started  about  1840.  Previously,  carpeted  floors 
were  considered  luxurious,  and  sweeping  was  done  mostly  with 
long-haired  brushes. 

Shanaman  Factory. — In  1873  Jacob,  Walter  and  William  F. 
Shanaman  began  making  brooms  by  hand,  at  309  North  Fifth 
street,  and  produced  about  25  dozen  weekly,  which  they  sold  at 
Reading.  In  1877  they  removed  their  factory  to  premises  236 
North  Sixth  street,  and  introduced  machinery,  employing  from 
25  to  35  hands  and  producing  250  dozen  weekly,  which  they 
sold  in  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  In  1891  they  removed  to  225 
Church  street  and  introduced  additional  improved  machinery. 
They  reduced  their  employees  to  15,  but  continued  to  turn  out  the 


BRUSHES. 


123 


same  quantity.  At  first  they  brought  their  broom  corn  from 
dealers  at  Philadelphia,  but  since  1877,  from  producers  in  Illi- 
nois, which  is  the  great  state  for  this  article. 

In  1896  Walter  B.  Shanaman  withdrew  from  the  firm  and 
started  for  himself.  He  employs  from  5 to  8 hands  and  pro- 
duces about  100  dozen  weekly. 

E.  C.  Kirschman  started  in  1877  while  a boy  16  years  old. 
He  began  with  4 men  and  made  8 dozen  a day.  After  being  in 
the  business  several  years,  he  increased  the  production  to  40 
dozen  daily.  His  trade  extended  throughout  Eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania. He  continued  in  business  until  1896. 

Others  recently  started  in  this  business  are  Cyrus  W.  Strouse, 
J.  R.  Fisher  & Co.,  C.  H.  Varney,  S.  C.  Winters,  J.  Wolfson 
& Co.,  Samuel  E.  Nies,  William  J.  Cooney  and  Jacob  Fritz,  all 
employing  several  hands  and  producing  from  50  to  100  dozen 
weekly. 

BRUSHES. 

Benjamin  Witman  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  person  at 
Reading  who  followed  the  business  of  brush-making.  His  place 
was  at  523  Penn  street.  Morris  Helms  was  the  next,  he  coming 
here  from  Philadelphia  about  1835,  and  after  carrying  it  on  for 
several  years  formed  a co-partnership  with  John  German  from 
Womelsdorf.  Their  factory  was  where  the  Grand  Opera  House 
now  stands.  Their  trade  was  large,  and  extended  throughout 
the  surrounding  counties. 

Steinel  Factory. — Peter  Steinel  emigrated  from  Germany  in 
1847,  and  located  at  Reading.  He  began  manufacturing  brushes 
of  all  kinds  in  1848  on  Franklin  street  near  Front.  He  removed 
to  945  Penn  street  in  1853,  and  carried  on  the  business  there 
until  his  decease  in  1870.  He  established  a large  trade,  employ- 
ing from  25  to  30  hands,  and  distributed  his  production  in  this 
and  the  surrounding  counties  by  a number  of  teams.  His  son 
John  E.  Steinel  then  succeeded  him,  removing  the  factory  to 
837  Walnut  street,  and  he  has  carried  on  the  same  until  the 
present  time.  He  employs  from  6 to  15  hands,  and  ships 
brushes  to  different  parts  of  this  and  the  surrounding  counties. 

Regenfuse  Factory. — George  Regenfuse  began  brush  making 
about  1852,  and  carried  on  the  business  by  himself  until 
1895,  when  Jacob  Brestel  became  a partner.  They  em- 


124 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


ploy  several  hands,  and  manufacture  all  kinds  of  brushes  which 
are  sold  at  Reading-  and  in  different  parts  of  Pennsylvania. 

Drenkel  Factory. — Amos  Drenkel  began  at  15  North  Eighth 
street  in  1863  and  he  has  continued  brush  making  there  until 
now.  His  product  is  disposed  of  in  Berks  and  the  surrounding 
counties.  Investment,  $2,000;  annual  product,  $5000;  employ- 
ees, 3;  and  annual  wages,  $1000. 

Flatt  Factory.  — Jos.  O.  Flatt  began  making  all  kinds  of  bristle 
brushes  in  1872  at  641  Pine  street,  subsequently  turning  his  at- 
tention to  the  production  of  hair  and  tampico  patent  brushes 
as  a specialty.  He  died  in  1895.  His  son  Joseph  then  carried 
on  the  factory  for  two  years,  when  it  was  removed  to  a 3 -story 
brick  building  at  548  Miltimore  street,  and  another  son,  George, 
became  a partner,  the  two  trading  as  J.  O.  Flatt  & Co.  They 
employ  15  hands  and  produce  annually  1000  gross  of  brushes 
which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

BUILDERS  AND  STRUCTURES. 

The  building  operations  occupy  a prominent  position  in  the 
history  of  Reading.  They  afforded  constant  employment  to 
hundreds  of  builders,  carpenters,  masons  and  material-men, 
particularly  after  1836;  and  though  not  generally  classed  with 
the  factories  and  shops  of  the  place,  yet  they  are  inseparably 
connected  with  its  industrial  affairs  and  must  be  recognized  as 
constituting  an  important  part  of  them. 

Builders. — The  prominent  builders  at  Reading  before  1850 
were  Frederick  Printz  and  son  John,  Nicholas  Lott,  George 
Call  and  son  William,  William  and  Joseph  Henry,  Solomon 
Spohn,  Benjamin  Fink,  Edward  and  Charles  Schmeck,  Miller  & 
Craig,  Foos  & Bingaman,  Bear,  Smith  & Eisenhower,  Benne- 
ville  Hemmig,  and  Eisenhower  & Fink. 

The  first  persons  whb  erected  rows  of  dwelling  houses  for  sale 
before  that  time  were  Joseph  W.  Fry,  Philip  Zieber,  and 
Christopher  Deem,  (Fry  having  begun  in  1831);  afterward  a con- 
siderable number  engaged  in  this  business,  the  most  active  until 
1898  having  been  John  R.  Bechtel,  Jeremiah  Benner,  Adam  B. 
Brossman,  David  E.  DeHart,  George  M.  Ermentrout,  George 
P.  Ganger,  W.  A.  Griesemer,  Joseph  A.  Heine,  Peter  W. 
Helfrich,  Henry  D.  High,  William  R.  Hinnershitz,  Isaac 


CANDY. 


' 125 


Hollenbach,  E.  W.  Landis,  J.  S.  Livingood,  David  F.  Lotz, 
S.  P.  O’Reilly,  Rehr  & Flicker , Roland  & Leader,  D.  C.  Roth, 
Stichter  & McKnight,  Christian  Stoltz,  Julius  Wagner,  W hite 
& Wagner. 

Building  and  Savings  Associations  must  be  mentioned  in  this 
connection,  for  they  caused  many  hundreds  of  dwellings  to  be 
erected  in  all  sections  of  Reading,  and  thereby  contributed 
largely  towards  the  industrial  and  general  welfare  of  Reading. 

Structures . — The  largest  buildings  erected  at  Reading  prior 
to  1850  were  the  following:  First  Reformed  Church  (stone) 
1761;  Court  House  (stone)  1762;  Trinity  Lutheran  Church 
(brick)  1791;  State  House  (brick)  1793;  Penn  street  bridge 
(frame)  1815;  Bingaman  street  bridge  (frame)  1831;  Iron  Works 
of  Keims,  Whitaker  & Co.  (frame)  1836;  P.  & R.  R.  Co. 
shops  (brick)  1838;  Court  House  (brick)  1838-40;  Eckert’s 
furnace  (stone)  1842;  Salem  Evangelical  Church  (brick)  1844; 
St.  Peter’s  Roman  Catholic  Church  (brick)  1845;  Odd  Fellows’ 
Hall  (brick,  plastered)  1846;  County  Prison  (stone)  1847; 
Presbyterian  Church  (stone  and  brick)  1848;  St.  Peter’s  M.  E. 
Church  (brick)  1848;  Cotton  Factory  (brick)  1850;  Jackson’s 
Rope  Walk  (brick  and  frame)  1850. 

CANDY. 

Augustus  Kolb  was  engaged  in  making  candy  of  different 
kinds  at  Reading  before  1816.  Subsequently  the  Millers  and 
Souders  were  engaged  in  the  business  for  many  years,  but  they 
carried  on  manufacturing  in  a limited  way.  Since  1890  it  has 
come  to  be  an  industry  of  considerable  importance. 

Roller  Factory. — When  Jeremiah  O.  Roller  established  his  ice 
cream  parlor  at  441  Penn  square  in  1880,  he  also  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  candies,  producing  a ton  weekly  and  selling  the 
same  to  dealers  at  Reading.  He  continued  supplying  customers 
until  1895.  Since  then  he  produces  half  a ton  weekly,  which 
he  sells  in  connection  with  ice  cream. 

Luden  Factory. — In  1882  William  H.  Luden  began  making 
candy  for  Christmas,  with  30  pounds  of  sugar,  at  37  North 
Fifth  street,  and  disposed  of  the  product  in  his  store.  He  con- 
tinued there  for  10  years  when  he  removed  to  Sixth  and  Wash- 
ington streets  where  he  established  a large  factory.  He  employs 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


126 

140  persons,  and  works  up  a car  load  of  sugar  weekly.  The 
annual  business  amounts  to  $300,000.  His  trade  extends 
through  the  Eastern,  Middle  and  Southern  States.  Capital  in- 
vested, $100,000. 

Hollis  Factory. — W.  G.  Hollis  emigrated  from  Greece  in 
1887,  and  settled  at  Reading.  He  made  for  a while  chocolate 
candy  in  a limited  way,  and  in  1893  erected  a factory  at  625 
Franklin  street,  which  he  has  conducted  until  now.  His  busi- 
ness is  devoted  entirely  to  chocolate  candy  in  all  forms.  He 
employs  75  hands.  Investment,  $20,000;  annual  business, 
$75,000.  He  has  become  a naturalized  citizen. 

Fries  Factory.  — John  M.  Fries  began  making  all  kinds  of 
candy  and  ice  cream  in  1888  at  1013  Chestnut  street,  shipping  the 
former  to  all  parts  of  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States,  and  sup- 
plying the  latter  to  customers  at  Reading.  Employees,  10; 
investment,  $8,000;  wages,  $3,000;  product,  $10,000. 

Reading  Confectionery  Co.  was  organized  by  Reuben  G. 
Shalter  and  Howard  C.  Baum  in  1892,  who  began  making  can- 
dies of  all  kinds  at  Eighth  and  Spring  streets  with  5 hands. 
In  1896,  they  removed  to  1138  Moss  street,  and  increased  their 
business.  They  now  employ  135  hands,  and  ship  annually  a 
thousand  tons  of  candy  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 

Sauppee  & Klee  Factory. — In  1896  Valentine  C.  Sauppee 
and  Benton  Klee  started  candy-making  at  Seventh  and  Court 
streets.  In  February,  1898,  they  located  at  1132  Moss  street. 
Employees,  48;  product,  400  tons  of  candy  yearly. 

Hostetter  Factory. — Taylor  T.  Hostetter  began  making  candy 
and  ice  cream  in  1897  at  739  Penn  street.  He  produces  daily 
about  600  pounds  of  candy  and  300  quarts  of  ice  cream,  which 
are  sold  at  Reading. 

CARPETS. 

Weaving  of  carpets,  coverlets  and  blankets  was  one  of  the 
first  employments  at  Reading.  It  was  carried  on  extensively 
from  1825  to  1850  by  a number  of  weavers,  who  also  manufac- 
tured ingrain  carpets  and  linen  material  for  ticking,  bags,  etc. 
Then  the  business  began  to  decline.  Now,  weavers  confine 
their  attention  almost  entirely  to  rag  and  jute  carpets.  Rag 
and  ingrain  carpets  were  made  for  many  years  at  the  Berks 


CARRIAGES,  WAGONS  AND  WHEELS. 


127 


County  Prison  in  large  quantities,  about  50,000  yards  a year. 
Since  1894  the  product  at  that  institution  has  been  exclusively 
rag  carpet,  averaging  over  30,000  yards  a year. 

The  most  prominent  weavers  since  1847,  and  the  longest  en- 
gaged in  the  business  were  George  Goodman,  George  Price, 
Philip  Rush  and  Michael  Schweitzer. 

Pflugfelder  Factory. — John  Pflugfelder  emigrated  from  Ger- 
many to  Reading  in  1855,  and  carried  on  rag  carpet  weaving 
until  his  decease  in  1897.  Altogether  he  followed  the  business 
for  65  years. 

Charles  P.  Pflugfelder,  his  son,  began  in  1882,  and  he  has 
carried  on  a factory  since  then,  employing  from  2 to  4 hands. 
He  produces  about  5000  yards  annually,  which  are  sold  mostly 
to  persons  at  Reading.  He  fills  orders  occasionally  for  persons 
residing  in  the  Western  States.  Factory,  1152  Perkiomen  avenue. 

Boyer  Factory. — Thomas  A.  Boyer  began  in  1883  and  he  has 
carried  on  the  business  since.  He  employs  3 hands,  produces 
over  10,000  yards  of  carpet  annually.  The  annual  wages  ex- 
ceed $1200.  His  factory  is  at  523  Bingaman  street,  and  his 
production  is  disposed  of  in  Reading  and  surrounding  places. 
He  also  manufactures  chenille  rugs. 

Goelt  Factory. — John  E.  Goelt  and  John  F.  Beck,  trading  as 
Reading  Carpet  Manufacturing  Co.  began  in  1885.  They  em- 
ploy 3 hands  and  produce  annually  15,500  yards  which  are  sold 
in  Pennsylvania.  Factory  is  at  836  North  Eighth  street. 

Smith  Factory. — In  1887  Charles  J.  Smith  started  a weaving 
shop  for  making  rag  and  jute  carpet  and  also  chenille.  Em- 
ployees from  1 to  4,  according  to  demands;  annual  product, 
5,600  yards,  which  is  sold  at  Reading.  Factory,  329  North 
Eighth  street. 

Others  engaged  in  this  business  are  T.  Boaman,  William 
Ernshaw  and  John  Hampele. 

CARRIAGES,  WAGONS  AND  WHEELS. 

Wetherhold  Factory. — In  1862  William  H.  Wetherhold  re- 
moved from  Allentown  to  Reading  and  began  the  manufacture 
of  carriages  and  wagons  on  Court  street  above  Seventh.  Sev- 
eral years  afterward  he  located  on  Poplar  street  near  Court,  and 
there  carried  on  the  business  extensively  until  1891,  employing 


128 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


from  25  to  40  hands.  Then  he  retired  and  was  succeeded  by 
his  three  sons,  William  W. , Robert  F. , and  George  W.,  who 
have  continued  the  business,  under  the  name  of  Wetherhold 
Bros.  In  1897  Robert  F.  Wetherhold  withdrew  from  the  firm. 
Their  carriages  and  wagons  of  different  kinds  are  shipped  to 
all  parts  of  the  United-  States.  Investment,  $12,000;  annual 
wages,  $15,000,  and  product,  $40,000. 

Biehl  Factory. — In  1877  George  W.  Biehl  began  to  manu- 
facture light  carriages  and  wagons  on  Cherry  street  below  Sixth, 
employing  5 hands.  In  1882,  he  established  a factory  at  31 
South  Fifth  street,  where  he  has  continued  until  now,  excepting 
from  1891  to  1893,  when  the  business  was ' conducted  by  James 
Goodman.  He  employs  45  hands;  annual  product,  $50,000, 
and  wages,  $23,000.  His  trade  extends  through  Pennsylvania 
and  parts  of  New  York.  He  now  manufactures  both  light  and 
heavy  carriages  and  wagons. 

Kreider  Factory. — In  1855  Edward  W.  Kreider  removed 
from  Catasauqua  to  Reading  and  carried  on  the  manufacture  of 
carriages,  wagons  and  sleighs.  In  1872  he  located  on  Pearl 
above  Franklin  street,  where  he  has  continued  until  now.  He 
employs  from  5 to  10  hands  and  has  invested  about  $9000. 

Keystorie  Wagon  Co. — In  1876  James  A.  Klees,  as  a wheel- 
wright, began  the  manufacture  of  wagons  at  Shenandoah, 
Schuylkill  county,  and  in  several  years  succeeded  in  building  up 
a large  trade,  affording  employment  to  15  men.  In  ten  years 
his  business  had  developed  to  such  an  extent  that  he  was  obliged 
to  select  a more  central  location  with  large  shipping  facilities. 
He  located  at  Reading,  Third  street  and  Lebanon  Valley  railroad, 
and  erected  a superior  establishment.  In  1890  a company  was 
organized  with  a capital  of  $250,000.  Wagons  of  all  kinds  are 
manufactured  and  orders  are  filled  from  every  state  in  the  United 
States,  and  from  Canada,  South  America,  England,  Germany 
and  South  Africa.  Employees,  100;  annual  wages,  $50,000; 
and  product,  $100,000. 

Penn  Wagon  Co.  was  organized  by  Walter  G.  Stewart  in 
1893,  for  the  manufacture  of  wagons  of  all  kinds,  and  a com- 
pany was  incorporated.  The  factory  is  on  Bern  street  between 
Tenth  and  Moss.  Annual  production  50  wagons,  worth  $15,- 
000;  hands  employed,  14;  wages,  $7,000. 


CIGARS. 


129 

Himmelberger  & Smith  Factory. — F.  R.  Himmelberger  and 
George  H.  Smith  started  the  manufacture  of  carriages  and 
wagons  in  West  Reading  in  1888,  with  several  men.  They 
increased  their  business  gradually.  Now  they  employ  from 
15  to  20  men.  Investment,  $10,000;  annual  product,  $17,000, 

Bard  Factory. — In  1855  Isaac  Roland  began  the  manufacture 
of  wagon  and  carriage  wheels  at  Buttonwood  and  Cedar  streets. 
He  was  interested  in  the  business  until  1872,  when  Harry  S, 
Bard  became  the  owner,  who  has  operated  the  factory  until  now, 
trading  as  the  Reading  Wheel  & Gear  Co.  Since  1894,  he  has 
manufactured  carriages.  Investment,  $18,000;  employees,  16. 

Wheelwrights. — From  the  foundation  of  Reading  until  about 
i860,  wheelwright  shops  were  carried  on  successfully  for  manu- 
facturing heavy  wagons  and  carts,  to  supply  local  demands; 
then  they  began  to  decline  on  account  of  competition  from  dis- 
tant places,  and  they  continued  to  do  so  until  now  they  are  few 
in  number,  and  those  that  remain  are  engaged  almost  entirely  in 
repairing. 

CEMENT  PAVING 

The  first  cement  pavement  at  Reading  was  laid  in  1883  at  the 
Boys’  High  School.  Engelbert  Wagonblast,  during  the  same 
year,  laid  the  basement  of  City  Hall  in  cement,  and  from  that 
time  has  followed  this  business.  He  started  with  several  men 
and  used  only  a small  quantity  of  cement;  now  he  employs 
from  15  to  25  men,  and  consumes  monthly  from  100  to  125  bar- 
rels of  cement.  For  concrete,  he  uses  Lehigh  county  cement, 
but  for  the  surface  of  the  pavement,  imported  German  cement. 

Others  engaged  in  this  business  are  Lewis  H.  Stuebner  and 
Robert  L.  Wilson. 

CIGARS. 

The  manufacture  of  cigars  began  in  Reading  about  1800. 
From  that  time  to  1847,  the  prominent  manufacturers  of  the 
town  were  James  Morris,  John  Eyrich,  Samuel  Eyrich,  Isaac 
James,  J.  & E.  Eyrich,  Philip  Albright,  Gosham  Wolf,  John 
Maltzberger,  J.  & G.  W.  Hantsch,  C.  Breneiser  and  William 
Hartman.  The  tobacco  was  at  first  obtained  from  Kentucky. 
About  1835  it  was  shipped  from  Lancaster  and  York  counties. 

Cigar-makers  generally  made  from  800  to  1500  cigars  a day. 
Several  made  2000.  The  prices  paid  were  five,  six  and  seven  cents 


130 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


a hundred;  and  they  sold  for  $1.50  to  $2.00  per  thousand.  The 
total  manufacture  in  1840  was  about  20,000  daily.  The  country 
cigar- makers  bought  the  leaf  tobacco  from  John  Eyrich,  and 
then  sold  the  cigars  to  him.  He  had  at  times  half  a million  on 
hand.  Most  of  them  were  sold  at  from  three  to  seven  for  a 
•cent;  and  they  were  consumed  in  Reading  and  vicinity. 

There  was  more  smoking  then,  in  proportion  to  the  popula- 
tion, than  at  the  present  day.  A box  of  cigars  always  stood  on 
the  counter  of  every  tavern  and  its  contents  were  free  to  all 
guests.  The  workers  in  tobacco  were  men  and  boys,  the  latter 
being  strippers.  The  business  of  cigar-making  increased  grad- 
ually after  1847,  a better  quality  of  cigars  was  made,  and  more 
skilled  hands  came  to  be  employed. 

The  prominent  manufacturers  of  cigars  from  1847  to  1875 
were  J.  M.  & G.  W.  Hantsch,  John  Maltzberger  and  Charles 
Breneiser,  but  their  product  was  comparatively  small.  In  1869 
George  W.  Crouse  came  from  New  York  to  Reading  and  began 
the  business  extensively  in  the  northern  part  of  the  city  beyond 
Bern  street.  He  employed  100  young  girls,  and  was  the  first 
at  Reading  to  employ  females  in  this  branch  of  industry. 

Daniel  W.  Crouse  came  from  Bedford,  Pa.  to  Reading  in 
1875,  and  after  having  traded  with  George  W.  Hantsch,  as 
Hantsch  & Crouse,  until  1880,  he  formed  a partnership  with  his 
uncle,  George  W.  Crouse  They  traded  as  Crouse  & Co.  and 
•established  a large  factory  on  Sixth  street  below  Penn,  where 
they  employed  over  400  hands  and  manufactured  10,000,000 
common  cigars,  which  they  sold  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 
The  partnership  was  dissolved  in  1885,  and  Daniel  W.  Crouse 
removed  to  New  York,  to  engage  in  the  leaf  tobacco  business. 
He  returned  in  1895  and  has  since  conducted  a factory  at  45 
Reed  street. 

There  were  twenty-five  manufacturers  of  chewing  and  smok- 
ing tobacco  who  produced  altogether  during  1897  about  125,000 
pounds  and  employed  about  100  persons. 

Cigar  Manufacturers  hi  1898. — In  March,  1898,  there  were 
no  cigar  manufacturers  at  Reading.  Of  these,  29,  (marked  *) 
each  produced  during  1897  over  100,000  cigars,  and  15  (marked 
**)  each  over  500,000.  The  total  product  was  50,000,000, 
which  yielded  a revenue  to  the  United  States  government  ex- 


CIGARS. 


I3I 

ceeding  $150,000.  And  the  total  number  ot  persons  employed 
in  all  the  factories  was  about  3200. 

LIST  OF  CIGAR  MANUFACTURERS. 


J.  Milton  Althouse.* 

Elias  K.  Althouse. 

Charles  Amrhein.* 

Benjamin  Artz. 

James  Beard  * „ 

Milton  Bortz. 

Blome  & Co  * 

W W.  Boone. 

Blachman  Cigar  Co.* 

Bon  Ton  Cigar  Co.* 

Born  Brothers  * 

C.  Breneiser  & Sons  * 

H.  I)  Brossman  & Son.** 
Andrew  P.  Bower 
Harry  G.  Burkey.* 

Jeremiah  L.  Brumbach. 

Crouse  & Co.** 

Daniel  W Crouse  * 

Jacob  W.  Conrad. 

John  Chelius. 

John  W.  Clark. 

Dibert  Bros.— S.  D.  Dibert .** 
Samuel  H.  Donah ower. 
William  Eidam. 

Eshelman,  Endy  & Co.** 
Charles  Fleck  & Son.* 

Samuel  P.  Fehr. 

J.  H.  Fisher. 

John  U.  Fehr.* 

Fraternity  Cigar  Co. 

Frame  Cigar  Co.* 

Henry  J.  Fink. 

Geo.  W Filbert. 

Henry  T Fick. 

Harry  W.  Grim. 

Jacob  Gnau. 

Morris  Goldman. 

Sallie  Goodhart. 

Samuel  Grau. 

Gumpert  Brothers  ** 

Frank  Ganter  * 

A.  S.  Plartman.* 

Julius  G Hansen.** 

G.  Hilderbrand.* 

H.  A.  Hageman. 

F.  J.  Hunt.** 

J . M.  Hutchison  * 

Harvey  J.  Hedrick. 

Samuel  L Haller. 

Sam  Hantsch.* 

Samuel  Heckman. 

George  Heilman. 

Industrial  Cigar  Man’f'g  Co.** 
H.  B.  Jackson. 

M.  A.  Krug. 


Kline  & Winter.** 
Emanuel  E Keller. 
Jefferson  Kuser. 

W E Crum  & Co. 

D.  H.  Kerling 
John  B Kalbach. 

Frank  D Killian 
Paul  J Kirschman. 
Elias  E Kahler.** 
Edgar  A Lehr. 

George  W.  Lehr.** 
Selas  \V.  Manbeck. 
Charles  Maerz  ** 
George  R.  Maltzberger. 
John  R.  Mast  & Co.* 

F.  M.  Moyer 

Daniel  W Moyer. 

John  B Mersinger. 
Lafayette  Neider 
Newcomet  & Dalzell.* 
Price  & Spatz  ** 

H.  H.  Roland  * 

George  Raab,  Jr. 
Rothenberger  & Hill. 
Jeremiah  Reider 
John  H.  Riegel  ** 
William  W Riegel.* 
Reuben  B.  Rhoads. 
George  B Reiber. 
Reading  Cigar  Co. 

P Rufe&Co* 

Edwin  G Readinger. 
Charles  Rufe. 

Howard  H.  Sheeler. 
William  H.  Sands. 

Levi  R.  Sheafer. 
Wallace  Spangler, 
j Charles  P.  Smith. 
James  P.  Stanton. 
Henry  Stuber. 

Edward  F.  Stoeber. 
Lewis  L Spohn. 

John  F.  Smith, 
lames  E.  Spohn. 
Schefher  & Yerger.* 
Peter  Texter. 

E.  E.  Taylor  & Co  * 
John  H.  "Weinhold.* 
Jacob  Weigley. 

H.  H.  Wentzel. 

George  W.  Weidner. 
Rebecca  C.  Weiss. 
Valentine  Wilk.* 

J.  W.  Wanner. 

Yocum  Brothers.** 


132 


HISTORY  OF  READING, 


LARGEST  CIGAR  FACTORIES. 

Brossman  Factory. — In  1887  Harrison  D.  Brossman  came  to 
Reading  from  Douglassville  and  engaged  in  the  leaf  tobacco 
business.  In  1888  he  began  manufacturing  cigars  at  224  North 
Eighth  street,  employing  12  hands  and  making  800,000  a year. 
In  1891  he  located  at  210  Cedar  street,  and  traded  under  the 
name  of  H.  D.  Brossman  & Son,  his  son  John  associating  with 
him.  They  now  employ  19  hands,  and  produce  annually  over 
1,000,000  cigars,  which  are  sold  in  the  Middle  States.  Invest- 
ment, $8,000. 

Crouse  Factory. — Millard  F.  Crouse  and  Samuel  I.  Ziemer 
began  trading  as  Crouse  & Co.  in  1895,  at  128  North  Tenth 
street.  On  January  1,  1898,  J.  Calvin  Corle  became  a member 
of  the  firm.  Employees,  75;  product,  300,000  cigars  monthly, 
which  are  shipped  mostly  throughout  the  Middle  States. 

Dibert  Factory . — In  1875  Samuel  D.  Dibert  removed  from 
Bedford,  Pa.,  to  Reading.  He  and  his  brother  Henry  S.,  trad- 
ing as  Dibert  Bros.,  carried  on  a tobacco  jobbing  business  from 


DIBERT  CIGAR  FACTORY. 

1883  to  1887,  and  then  they  began  manufacturing  cigars.  In 
1893  they  located  their  factory  at  Washington  and  Thorn  streets, 


CIGARS. 


133 


which  they  conducted  in  a very  successful  manner  until  January 
6,  1898,  employing  over  100  hands  and  making  annually  over 
3,000,000  cigars,  which  were  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country 
from  the  Atlantic  Ocean  to  the  Pacific.  Then  Samuel  D. 
Dibert  became  the  sole  proprietor  of  the  plant  and  business, 
and  he  has  since  operated  the  same. 

Eshelman  & Endy  Factory. — John  J.  Eshelman  was  engaged 
in  manufacturing  cigars  at  Mohnsville  from  1885  to  1897,  then 
he  came  to  Reading  and  formed  a partnership  with  Charles  H. 
Endy,  (his  foreman,)  trading  as  Eshelman,  Endy  & Co.,  and 
locating  the  factory  at  137  Cedar  street.  Investment,  $11,000; 
employees,  65;  monthly  wages,  $800;  and  monthly  product, 
180,000  cigars,  which  are  forwarded  mostly  to  customers  in  the 
Western  States. 

Gumpert  Bros. — In  1892  Albert  and  Richard  T.  Gumpert, 
trading  as  Gumpert  Bros.,  prominent  manufacturers  of  cigars 
at  Philadelphia,  established  a branch  factory  at  Reading- 
in  1891,  locating  at  Fifth  and  Penn  streets.  They  employed 
175  hands  and  produced  over  7,000,000  cigars  annually. 
Their  business  increasing  beyond  the  capacity  of  the  build- 
ing, they  erected  a large  five-story  factory  at  Seventh  and 
Washington  streets  in  1893,  which  they  have  occupied  since, 
employing  about  the  same  number  of  hands,  but  doubling  their 
annual  product,  which  is  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Albert  Gumpert  died  in  1893,  but  the  firm  name  is  still 
continued. 

Hansen  Fa6tory. — Jn  1891,  Julius  G.  Hansen  came  from  New 
York  to  Reading  and  associated  with  George  W.  & Millard  F. 
Crouse,  trading  as  Geo.  W.  Crouse  & Co.,  for  making  cigars, 
when  they  erected  a brick  factory  at  Tenth  and  Spring  streets. 
On  January  1,  1895,  Mr.  Hansen  became  the  sole  proprietor. 
During  1897,  he  employed  from  125  to  150  hands  and  pro- 
duced over  5,000,000  cigars,  which  were  shipped  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States. 

Hunt  Factory. — Frank  J.  Hunt  started  manufacturing  cigars 
in  West  Reading  in  1892,  and  in  1893,  located  in  Reading  at 
636  Court  street.  He  employs  35  hands  and  produces  annually 
over  1,000,000  cigars,  which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States.  Investment,  $18,000;  annual  wages,  $12,000. 


134 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Industrial  Cigar  Manf'g  Co. — In  1878  Nicholas  Glaser  and 
George  C.  Frame  associated  together  for  making  cigars.  In 
1884  they  erected  a large  brick  factory  on  Spruce  street  above 
Ninth  and  carried  on  the  business  very  extensively  as  Glaser, 
Frame  & Co.,  forwarding  their  product  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States.  In  1890  Mr.  Glaser  died,  and  William  J.  Frame 
and  Morris  H.  Millmore  became  the  proprietors  of  the  estab- 
lishment, trading  under  the  same  name.  In  1897,  they  em- 
ployed over  200  hands  and  made  over  6,000,000  cigars  In 
March,  1898,  the  Industrial  Cigar  Manufacturing  Co.  was  or- 
ganized with  Henry  S.  Dibert  as  treasurer,  who  then  became 
the  owner  of  the  business.  Employees,  140;  monthly  produc- 
tion, 350,000. 

Kahler  Factory. — Elias  E.  Kahler  began  making  cigars  with 
one  cigar-maker  at  310  North  Fourth  street  in  1895.  He  re- 
moved to  328  Buttonwood  street  in  1896.  Employees,  72; 
production  in  1897,  3,000,000  cigars,  high-grade,  which  are 
disposed  of  in  the  Eastern  and  Middle  States. 

Kline  & Winters  Factory. — James  T.  Kline  and  John  M. 
Winters  began  making  cigars  January  1,  1897.  They  employ 
25  hands.  Investment,  $10,000;  wages,  $10,000;  product, 

2.000. 000.  cigars,  which  are  sold  to  customers  in  the  Middle 
States.  Factory  443  Cedar  street. 

Lehr  Factory. — George  W.  Lehr  came  from  Lebanon  county 
to  Reading  and  in  1876  began  manufacturing  cigars.  In  1889, 
he  established  a large  factory  at  912  Penn  street  and  has  con- 
ducted the  business  there  until  now.  Investment,  $30,000; 
employees,  50;  annual  wages,  $12,000;  and  product  over 

1.000. 000  cigars,  which  are  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the 
country. 

Maerz  Factory. — Charles  Maerz  carried  on  manufacturing 
cigars  at  New  York  from  1869  to  1881,  employing  80  persons 
and  producing  about  2,000,000  cigars  annually.  Then  he  came 
to  Reading,  and,  after  superintending  several  factories  until 
1892,  embarked  again  in  the  business  for  himself.  He  erected  a 
factory  at  Tenth  and  Cherry  streets  in  1894.  Investment, 
20,000;  employees,  28;  annual  wages,  $12,000;  total  pro- 
duction, 1,500,000  cigars,  which  are  shipped  to  customers  in 
Pennsylvania,  New  York  and  some  of  the  Western  States. 


CLOTHING. 


135 


Price  & Spcitz  Factory. — In  1890  John  F.  Price  and  John 
G.  Spatz,  of  Womelsdorf,  associated  together  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  cigars.  They  employed  6 hands  and  made  500,000  a 
year.  In  1892  they  removed  their  factory  to  Reading,  when 
they  increased  their  employees  to  25  and  production  to  1,500,- 
000.  In  1897  they  located  in  a larger  building  at  Sixth  and' 
Cherry  streets,  and  in  that  year  the  employees  numbered  from 
125  to  150,  and  their  production  exceeded  5,000,000  cigars. 
Investment,  $20,000;  annual  wages,  $30,000.  Their  cigars  are 
shipped  principally  to  the  Western  States. 

Riegel  Factory. — John  H.  Riegel  began  making  cigars  at 
Bernville  in  1871.  He  removed  to  Reading  in  1882,  and  car- 
ried on  the  business  successfully  until  1893,  when  he  erected  a 
three-story  brick  factory  at  Front  and  Washington  streets.  In- 
vestment, $30,000;  employees,  50;  wages,  $10,000;  product  in 
i897,  $30,000,  which  was  sold  principally  in  the  Middle  States,, 
and  some  south  and  west. 

Yocum  Bros.  Factory. — William  H.  Yocum  began  making 
cigars  at  Stouchsburg  in  i88l,  and  remained  there  until  1885,. 
increasing  his  business  from  employing  one  person  to  60.  In 
1884  he  purchased  the  business  of  Glaser  & Lehr  at  Reading 
and  conducted  it  for  nearly  a year,  employing  100  hands.  Jan- 
uary 1,  1885,  his  brother,  James  W.,  became  a partner,  and 
thence  they  traded  as  Yocum  Bros.  Their  rapidly  increasing 
business  obliged  them  to  move  their  factory  three  times,  estab- 
lishing it  finally  at  Seventh  and  Walnut  streets  in  1893,  when 
they  erected  a large  four-story  brick  building.  They  employ 
350  persons.  Their  production  in  1897  was  15,000,000  cigars, 
all  high-grade,  which  were  sold  through  wholesale  houses  in  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

CLOTHING. 

Clothing  was  almost  entirely  custom-made  at  Reading  until 
1844.  Cloth  was  purchased  either  at  a dry  goods  store  for  a 
suit  of  clothing  or  at  a merchant  tailor’s,  and  cut  according  to 
measurement.  Them  James  Jameson  started  the  business  of 
manufacturing  men’s  and  boys’  clothing  of  all  kinds  and  sizes 
and  kept  the  same  in  stock  for  buyers.  Afterward  clothing 
stores  were  established,  but  the  different  articles  were  made 
elsewhere  and  shipped  here  to  dealers. 


136 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Women’s  and  girls’  clothing  began  to  be  made  in  quantities 
toy  Kline  & Eppihimer  in  1863,  under  the  superintendence  of 
Mrs.  Amos  T.  Phillippi,  and  they  continued  the  business,  in 
•connection  with  their  dry-goods  establishment,  until  1893. 


Sellers , Medlar  & Bachman. — In  1844  James  Jameson 
came  from  Allentown  to  Reading  and  carried  on  the  clothing 
business  at  Sixth  and  Penn  streets  until  his  decease  in  1890. 
Then  James  P.  Sellers,  William  A.  Medlar  and  Charles  S. 
Bachman,  who  had  been  in  his  employ  for  many  years,  formed 
.a  co  partnership,  trading  as  Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  and 
purchased  the  store-building  and  business.  They  have  con- 
ducted the  same  success- 
iully  until  now.  Employ- 
ees, 55  to  60;  invest- 
ment, $65,000.  They 
manufacture  large  quan- 
tities of  men’s,  boys’  and 
children’s  clothing  which 
they  dispose  of  in  Berks 
and  surrounding  counties. 

Leinbach  & Bro. — 
Joseph  and  George  Lein- 
bach, brothers,  came  to 
Reading  from  Bern  town- 
ship in  1865,  and  started 
the  manufacture  of  cloth- 
ing and  soon  developed  a 
large  business.  In  1888 
their  nephew,  Charles  H. 
Leinbach,  became  a part- 
ner. In  1890,  they  lo- 
cated at  Eighth  and  Penn 
streets,  erecting  there  a 
fine,  large  establishment. 
They  make  large  quanti- 
ties of  men’s,  boys’  and 
leinbach  building.  ch ildreii ’ s cl othing,  which 

they  sell  in  Berks  and  the  surrounding  counties.  Employees, 
.265,  including  7 cutters  and  7 trimmers. 


PLANT  OF  READING  COLD  STORAGE  COMPANY. 


COLD  STORAGE. 


137 


Myers  & Heim. — Samuel  M.  Myers  and  Arthur  W.  Heim, 
his  son-in-law,  were  associated  together  in  manufacturing  cloth- 
ing at  Lancaster  from  1872  to  1880,  when  they  established  a 
large  clothing  house  at  Reading,  508  Penn  square,  and  Mr. 
Heim  removed  to  Reading.  They  have  carried  on  the  business 
of  manufacturing  men’s,  boy’s  and  children’s  clothing  since  then, 
in  an  extensive  manner,  selling  the  same  in  all  parts  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. Employees,  77;  investment,  $70,000. 

John  B.  Mull  learned  his  trade  of  cutter  in  the  employ  of 
James  Jameson,  clothier,  and  after  remaining  with  him  12  years, 
he  embarked  in  business  for  himself.  This  was  in  1889.  He 
manufactures  a full  line  of  boys’  and  children’s  clothing,  besides 
carrying  on  a large  trade  of  custom  tailoring  at  442  Penn  square. 
He  employs  32  hands.  Investment,  $30,000. 

Brumbach  Mills. — In  1865  Albert  J.  Brumbach  established 
a mill  in  Exeter  township  at  St.  Lawrence  for  the  manufacture 
of  woolen  goods,  and  he  has  conducted  it  very  successfully, 
shipping  his  product  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  He  em- 
ployed 25  hands  and  his  annual  business  amounted  to  $18,000. 
The  mills  have  been  carried  on  there  until  now,  but  the  entire 
product,  with  65  hands  employed,  is  converted  into  pants  and 
vests  in  his  factory  at  Reading. 

In  1895  Mr.  Brumbach  started  a factory  for  manufacturing 
pants  and  vests  out  of  his  own  goods  produced  at  the  St.  Law- 
rence mills.  This  was  at  Eighth  and  Oley  streets.  He  began 
with  75  hands  and  the  annual  business  amounted  to  $200,000. 
In  1896  he  established  a fine  brick  factory  at  Fourteenth  and 
Muhlenberg  streets  where  he  employs  125  hands,  and  the  total 
business  amounts  to  $275,000. 

Hirshland  Pants  Factory. — In  1885  Solomon  Hirshland  and 
Isaac  Samuel  started  a pants  factory  in  the  Dreifoos  building  705 
Penn  street  and  carried  it  on  until  1891 , trading  as  the  Reading 
Pants  Manufacturing  Co.  Mr.  Hirshland  then  became  the  owner, 
and  he  has  continued  the  business  since.  He  employs  60  hands 
and  manufactures  15,500  pairs  of  pants  a year,  which  are  sold 
in  all  parts  of  Pennsylvania.  His  place  is  at  533  Penn  square. 

COLD  STORAGE. 

Reading  Plant. — The  first  cold  storage  plant  was  estab- 
lished at  Reed  and  Elm  streets  in  1891  by  A.  J.  Brumbach, 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


138 

Dr.  W.  H.  Eck,  C.  Q.  Guldin,  J.  G.  Leinbach,  John  H.  Printz, 
Geo.  O.  Runyeon,  John  A.  Strohecker  and  others,  who  were 
incorporated  under  the  name  of  the  Reading  Cold  Storage  Co. , 
with  a capital  of  $1 50,000.  They  caused  the  erection  of  a 5-  , 
story  brick  building  with  a storage  capacity  of  100  cars,  and 
equipped  it  with  the  necessary  machinery.  They  employ  25 
hands,  produce  daily  60  tons  of  ice,  which  they  supply  to  the 
local  market ; and  they  make  a specialty  of  storing  butter  and 
eggs.  Officers:  C.  Q.  Guldin,  pres.;  Irvin  S.  Brant,  sec.; 
George  O.  Runyeon,  treas. 

Klondike  Plant. — In  1890  Saul  & Geib  started  a cold  storage 
plant  at  Eleventh  and  Bern  streets,  which  was  carried  on  under 
the  name  of  the  Reading  Artificial  Ice  Co.  until  1898.  In  Jan- 
uary of  that  year,  John  F.  Christman  and  George  F.  Mertz  or- 
ganized the  Klondike  Cold  Storage  Co.  , to  operate  the  plant. 
The  storage  capacity  is  30  cars,  and  storing  eggs  is  made  a 
specialty.  They  produce  60  tons  of  ice  daily,  which  is  supplied 
to  customers  at  Reading. 

COTTON  GOODS. 

Reading  Cotton  Mill. — In  1849  certain  capitalists  at  Reading 
organized  a company  for  the  manufacture  of  muslin,  and  erected 
a large  three-story  brick  structure  68  by  274  feet  on  a block  of 
ground  at  Ninth  and  Cotton  streets.  In  1851  the  factory  was 
put  in  operation,  having  an  engine  of  200  horse  power,  11,264 
spindles,  300  looms,  and  a daily  capacity  of  9,300  yards  of 
muslin.  The  total  cost  was  $220,000.  In  1852  (the  first  year;) 
the  production  was  1,578,859  yards;  over  300  hands  were  em- 
ployed and  the  wages  paid  exceeded  $40,000.  It  was  operated 
until  i860,  when  it  was  sold  to  Garner  & Co.  of  New  York 
City,  for  $152,460. 

In  1886  the  plant  was  enlarged  to  the  length  of  360  feet  and 
the  most  improved  machinery  introduced,  thereby  increasing 
the  capacity  and  reducing  the  number  of  employees.  Though 
the  number  of  employees  was  reduced,  the  average  wages  were 
increased.  Now  the  company  has  in  use  412  looms  and  17,216 
spindles;  employs  290  hands  and  produces  annually  over  5,000,- 
000  yards  of  unbleached  muslin  ready  for  printing  shirtings, 
dress  goods,  etc.  The  annual  wages  amount  to  $80,000,  and 
the  production  to  $190,000. 


COTTON  GOODS. 


139 


This  industry  has  been  a most  important  one  to  Reading. 
The  Garner  family  have  operated  it  very  successfully  and  con- 
tinuously for  nearly  40  years,  and  paid  in  wages  altogether 
over  $3,000,000.  In  connection  with  this  plant  they  also 
operate  large  cotton  mills  at  Cohoes,  Rochester,  Newburgh  and 
Pleasant  Valley,  New  York,  and  large  print  works  at  Wap- 
pingers’  Falls  and  Haverstraw,  New  York,  the  looms  together 
numbering  over  8,000,  with  an  estimated  annual  production  of 
more  than  one  hundred  million  yards. 

Caldwell  Cotton  Batting-  Mill. — William  J.  Caldwell  began 
the  manufacture  of  cotton  batting  in  1887  at  141  Pearl  street, 
with  3 hands  and  an  annual  production  of  50  tons,  which  was 
forwarded  mostly  to  the  West.  He  has  continued  the  business 
until  now,  and  employs  5 hands.  Annual  business,  $8,000. 

Ammon  Underwear  Factory. — In  1893  Elijah  S.  Ammon  be- 
gan making  underwear  in  his  factory  building  at  17  South  Front 
street,  and  employed  10  hands.  He  has  continued  the  business 
until  the  present  time,  employing  15  hands,  and  producing  daily 
75  dozen,  which  are  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  United 
States,  east  of  the  Mississippi  river.  His  factory  is  equipped 
with  fine  machinery.  It  is  the  first  and  only  one  of  the  kind  at 
Reading. 

Thalheimer  Handkerchief  Factory. — In  1897  Emanuel  Thai— 
heimer  and  Mahlon  Seidel  began  manufacturing  victoria-lawm 
hem-stitched  handkerchiefs  for  ladies  and  gentlemen  at  141 
Cedar  street.  They  employ  48  hands  and  produce  weekly- 
2500  dozen.  The  product  is  sold  at  New  York.  Investment:. 
$5,000. 

Star  Novelty  Co. — In  1889  Harry  F.  Stern  trading  as  the- 
Star  Novelty  Co.,  located  in  the  Boas  Building,  752  Penn  street 
and  he  has  since  employed  150  hands  in  making  large  quantities, 
of  ladies’  and  children’s  aprons,  dresses  and  waists,  which,  haver 
been  sold  to  the  retail  trade  all  over  the  United  States, 

Berks  Overall  Co. — In  1896  Charles  C.  Graeffi,  S.  L,  Graehf 
and  H.  M.  Graeff  began  trading  as  Berks  Overall  Manufacturing 
Co.,  Limited,  for  making  overalls  and  jackets.  Factory,  Front 
and  Washington  streets.  Employees,  30;  wages,  $5,000;  pro- 
duct, 10,000  dozen,  which  is  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States, 


40 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


HOSIERY. 

The  knitting  of  stockings  as  a promising  local  industry  did 
not  begin  at  Reading  until  1883.  Previously  the  stockings  were 
generally  supplied  by  dealers  in  dry  goods  and  notions,  who 
purchased  them  from  importers  or  from  manufacturers  at  Ger- 
mantown. Many  pairs,  both  cotton  and  woolen,  were  knitted 
by  hand  by  women  for  their  own  families.  In  the  year  named 
the  first  machinery  was  introduced  for  this  purpose,  and  in  1891 
knitting  machinery  began  to  be  made  here. 

The  following  eighteen  hosiery  factories  are  carried  on  at 
Reading.  The  total  investment  in  the  business  exceeds 
$600,000;  the  employees  number  1800,  whose  annual  wages 
exceed  $500,000.  The  total  production  is  about  2,000,000 
dozen,  and  the  value  is  estimated  at  $1,500,000. 

Reading  Knitting  Mills . — In  1883  Harry  L.  Johnson  began 
the  manufacture  of  hosiery  by  machinery  at  Eighth  and  Green 
streets  with  12  machines  and  18  hands.  In  1884,  he  removed 
the  factory  to  Washington  and  Ash  streets,  increasing  the  num- 
ber of  machines  to  100  and  hands  to  113.  In  1885  he  sold  the 
plant  to  Wilson  C.  Shantz  and  I.  C.  Hunsicker.  Shortly  after- 
ward, Shantz  withdrew  and  Samuel  H.  Kutz  was  substituted  in 
his  place,  the  firm  trading  under  the  name  of  I.  C.  Hunsicker 
& Co.  They  produced  about  500  dozen  daily.  In  1891  they 
erected  a three-story  brick  factory  at  Fourth  and  Elm  streets  to 
answer  the  increasing  demands  of  their  trade,  and  there  they  con- 
ducted the  business  for  five  years,  employing  on  an  average  250 
hands,  and  producing  over  800  dozen  daily.*  In  1896  John 
Gaenzle  and  Luther  E.  Gable  purchased  the  establishment  and 
carried  on  the  business  under  the  name  of  J.  Gaenzle  & Co., 
until  March  1,  1898,  when  Mr.  Gable  retired  and  Charles  E. 
Leippe  took  his  place,  the  name  then  becoming  Gaenzle  & 
Leippe.  They  manufacture  84-needle  hosiery,  and  produce 
1500  dozen  daily  which  they  ship  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Investment,  $80,000;  employees,  350;  annual  wages, 
$65,000.  This  is  the  largest  exclusively  84-needle  hosiery  mill 
in  the  United  States,  and  admitted  to  be  one  of  the  best 
equipped  plants  in  this  branch  of  industry. 

Keystone  Knitting  Mill. — Levi  B.  Paxson,  Jr.,  and  Walter  S. 
Weber  associated  together  in  1886  to  carry  on  the  making  of 


READING  KNITTING  MILLS— GAENZLE  & LEIPPE. 


HOSIERY. 


I4I 

seamless  gents’  half-hosiery  under  the  name  of  Keystone  Knit- 
ting Mill,  at  217  Church  street.  They  conducted  the  business 
until  January  1,  1898,  when  Mr.  Paxson  became  the  sole  owner. 
Investment,  $3,000;  employees,  6;  wages,  $1,500;  product, 
10,000  dozen,  which  is  disposed  of  in  the  Western  States. 

Nolde  & Horst  Factory.— Jacob  Nolde  and  George  D.  Horst 
began  to  manufacture  hosiery  on  the  third  floor  of  the  Thal- 
heimer  Power  Building  in  1888  with  25  hands.  Their  annual 
product  amounted  to  $20,000.  In  1890  they  built  a brick 
factory  on  Cedar  street  beyond  Walnut,  and  there  continued  the 
business,  in  connection  with  a plant  which  they  carried  on  at 
Eighth  and  Spring  streets,  until  1892,  when  they  took  possession 
of  a four-story  brick  building  on  Moss  beyond  Douglass  which 
they  erected.  In  1896  they  enlarged  the  building  adding  two 
departments,  one  for  dyeing  and  the  other  for  manufacturing 
paper  boxes.  The  plant  now  constitutes  the  largest  hosiery 
enterprise  at  Reading.  The  company  was  incorporated  in  1897. 
Capital,  $250,000;  employees,  500;  annual  product,  $500,000; 
wages,  $150,000.  They  manufacture  annually  500,000  dozen  ol 
men’s,  women’s  and  children’s  hose,  made  of  cotton,  lisle,  wool, 
worsted  and  silk.  Their  product  is  sold  throughout  the  United 
States.  A large  quantity  is  exported  to  Mexico,  Central 
America,  South  America  and  Australia.  Officers:  Jacob  Nolde, 
pres.,  and  George  D.  Horst,  sec.  and  treas. 

Weber  Factory. — In  1890,  Louis  Weber,  Albert  Weber  and 
J.  Geo.  Kuersten  came  from  Philadelphia  and  began  manufac- 
turing hosiery  extensively  at  809  Cherry  street,  trading  as  L. 
Weber  & Co.  In  1892  they  purchased  several  lots  of  ground 
at  126  Orange  street  and  erected  a superior  three-story  brick  fac- 
tory and  equipped  it  with  machinery  for  an  increased  production 
to  meet  the  demands  of  their  trade.  In  1896  the  firm  was  dis- 
solved, Albert  Weber  purchased  the  building  and  the  greater 
part  of  the  machinery,  and  with  Harry  Hahn  as  a partner,  con- 
tinued operations  there,  trading  as  A.  Weber  & Co.  They  em- 
ploy 250  hands  and  manufacture  daily  1,400  dozen  different 
kinds  and  styles  of  seamless  hosiery,  which  are  shipped  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

Bobst  Factory. — William  J.  Bobst  began  the  manufacture  of 
seamless  cotton  half-hose,  84-needle,  in  1891,  on  the  fourth  floor 


142 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


of  the  Boas  Building,  Penn  street  near  Eighth.  He  employed 
75  hands,  operated  68  knitting  machines  and  produced  300 
dozen  daily.  In  1895  he  erected  a factory  on  Pearl  street  below 
Chestnut  and  increased  his  business.  He  now  employs  no 
hands;  operates  100  knitting  machines;  and  produces  500  dozen 
daily.  The  product  of  his  mill  is  shipped  mostly  to  the  South 
and  West.  Investment,  $25,000;  annual  product,  $80,000; 
wages,  $25,000. 

Shantz  Factory. — W,  C.  Shantz  began  in  1887.  Factory  is 
now  at  1120  Muhlenberg  street.  Investment,  $10,000;  em- 
ployees, 90;  wages,  $18,000;  product,  $40,000,  which  is  sent 
throughout  the  United  States. 

Fades  Factory. — J.  P.  Kades  began  in  1893  at  4*5  Moss 
street,  to  make  gents’  half  hose  and  ladies’  and  misses’  stockings 
of  cotton  and  woolen  yarn.  Employees,  25;  investment, 
$5,000;  annual  product,  25,000  dozen,  which  is  shipped  to 
different  parts  of  the  country. 

Helfrich  Factory. — Winfield  W.  and  Martin  C.  Helfrich  be- 
gan in  1895  with  automatic  machinery  at  515  South  Eighteenth 
street.  They  manufacture  fine  ladies’  hose  and  ship  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States.  Employees,  7;  investment,  $4,000; 
wages,  $1,500;  product,  $14,000. 

Penna.  Knitting  Mills. — In  1896  William  E.  Zieber  and 
Charles  W.  Herbein  began  making  fine  half  hose  at  506  Kerper 
street  with  30  hands  and  an  investment  of  $10,000.  In  1898 
the  company  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  Pennsylvania 
Knitting  Mills,  with  a capital  of  $50,000.  Employees,  65;  an- 
nual wages,  $20,000;  production,  $60,000,  which  is  shipped  to 
all  parts  of  the  United  States.  Officers:  Wm.  E.  Zieber,  pres.; 
Theodore  P.  Spitz,  manager. 

Achilles  Knitting  Mills. — In  1896  Samuel  L.  Dunkle  started 
making  fine  ladies’  and  misses’  hose.  He  employs  30  hands; 
operates  18  machines,  (for  140-  and  160-needle  stockings)  and 
produces  daily  100  dozen,  which  are  sold  at  New  York  City  and 
in  the  West.  His  factory  is  at  Front  and  Cherry  streets. 

Hawk  & Longenderfer  Factory. — George  W.  Hawk  and 
Jacob  J.  Longenderfer  started  in  1896,  with  4 machines  and  5 
hands.  They  now  operate  20  machines,  employ  26  hands  and 
produce  200  dozen  daily,  which  are  forwarded  to  different  parts 


HOSIERY. 


H3 

of  the  United  States.  Factory  is  at  154  Court  street.  Invest- 
ment, $6,000;  annual  product,  50,000  dozen,  and  wages,  $7,000. 

Kuersten  & Rick  Factory. — J.  G.  Kuersten  and  J.  G.  Rick 
began  in  1896  to  make  infants5,,  women’s  and  men’s  hose,  from 
84  to  200  needles,  at  222  Cedar  street.  They  equipped  the  fac- 
tory with  the  latest  machinery  and  produce  weekly  4,000  dozen,, 
which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country  through  an  office 
at  New  York  city.  They  employ  125  hands.  The  factory  was 
removed  to  Elm  and  Reed  street,  April,  1898. 

Hendel  Factory. — In  1897  Wm.  B.  Hendel  began  making 
hosiery  at  15  South  Front  street.  In  February,  1898,  he  re- 
moved to  749  Cherry  street.  Employees,  30;  annual  produc- 
tion, 30,000  dozen,  which  is  shipped  directly  by  orders  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

Steinhauer  Factory. — Geo.  B.  Steinhauer  began  the  manufac- 
turing of  84-needle  stockings  in  1897,  at  Third  and  Franklin 
streets.  Employees,  20;  daily  product,  100  dozen,  which  is. 
sold  'at  New  York  City. 

DeHart  Factory. — In  1897  A.  J.  & W.  R.  DeHart  started 
manufacturing  fine  hosiery  at  Second  and  Buttonwood  streets. 
They  employ  20  hands,  and  produce  100  dozen  daily,  which 
are  shipped  mostly  to  the  South  and  West. 

Acme  Factory.  — John  A.  Albert  started  a stocking  factory 
at  Front  and  Franklin  streets  in  1897  with  12  hands  for  manu- 
facturing 84-needle  goods.  He  now  employs  20  hands.  Invest- 
ment $2,500;  annual  wages,  $3,500;  product,  $15,000. 

Eagle  Knitting  Mills. — John  G.  Fredericks  started  making 
gents’  cotton  hose  in  1897,  at  Eleventh  and  Greenwich  streets. 
Investment,  $4,000;  employees,  15;  wages,  $3,000;  product, 
18,000  dozen,  which  is  sold  at  New  York. 

Y.  & S.  Mills. — Mahlon  L.  Seidel  and  Rolandus  R.  Snyder 
began  January  1,  1898,  in  the  Eck  building  at  Elm  and  Reed 
streets.  They  employ  18  hands  and  produce  1500  dozen 
monthly,  which  are  shipped  to  customers  in  the  Middle  and 
Western  States. 

CREAMERIES. 

The  manufacture  of  butter  at  Reading  by  the  creamery  pro- 
ces's  was  started  in  1883  by  Charles  Spohn  at  614  Penn  street 


144 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


and  he  made  300  pounds  of  butter  weekly.  He  has  continued 
the  business  until  now,  having  increased  his  weekly  product  to 
600  pounds. 

J.  O.  Roller  was  the  next  to  be  engaged  in  it  in  1886.  Be- 
sides butter,  he  manufactured  large  quantities  of  ice  cream,  em- 
ploying altogether  10  hands.  He  discontinued  making  butter 
in  1891. 

J.  R.  Sharman  carried  on  a creamery  from  1889  to  1&98 
when  he  directed  his  entire  attention  to  ice  cream. 

Wm.  H.  Spang  and  Peter  R.  Zacharias  trading  as  Spang  & 
Zacharias  started  a creamery  at  826  Franklin  street  in  1893  with 
5 hands  and  they  produced  daily  50  pounds  of  butter.  They 
remained  there,  increasing  their  product  gradually,  until  April, 
1898,  when  they  removed  the  plant  to  Washington  street  near 
Poplar.  Daily  product  600  pounds  which  is  shipped  mostly  to 
Philadelphia  and  New  York.  Large  quantities  of  cream  are 
also  sold  there. 

Joseph  Stauffer  began  a creamery  at  919  Cherry  street  in  1893. 
After  operating  it  several  years,  A.  S.  Clouser  became  the  pur- 
chaser. He  manufactures  over  100  pounds  of  butter  daily. 

DEPARTMENT  STORES. 

The  dry  goods  merchants  at  Reading  continued  to  handle 
distinct  lines  of  merchandise  in  their  respective  stores  until 
about  the  “Centennial”  year;  then  the  more  enterprising  pro- 
prietors began  to  add  different  lines  of  goods  in  order  to  satisfy 
the  demands  of  their  increasing  trade.  The  first  firm  to  start 
a department  store  here  was  Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart.  This 
was  in  1876.  Afterward  other  firms  followed  and  now  there  are 
six  recognized  stores  of  this  character.  Their  influence  in  con- 
trolling trade  directly  and  indirectly  has  led  various  stores  to 
add  other  lines  of  goods  besides  that  for  which  they  are  gener- 
ally known.  It  may  be  added  that  the  proprietors,  in  respect 
to  enterprise,  sagacity  and  success  compare  favorably  with  mer- 
chants anywhere  else. 

Dives , Pomeroy  & Stewart.  — Josiah  Dives,  George  M. 
Pomeroy  and  John  Stewart  came  from  Hartford,  Conn,  in  1876 
and  began  a general  dry  goods  business  at  533  Penn  square, 
trading  as  Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart,  and  employing  15  hands. 
In  several  years  their  establishment,  known  as  “The  Globe 


DEPARTMENT  STORE  OF  DIVES,  POMEROY  & STEWART. 


DEPARTMENT  STORES. 


H5 


Store,”  was  made  thoroughly  known  in  this  and  the  surround- 
ing counties,  and  their  trade  was  developed  to  such  proportions 
as  to  require  larger  quarters.  So  they  removed  to  442-444 
Penn  square,  and  the  store  at  that  place  also  becoming  in  a 
short  time  too  small,  they  erected  a superior  large  brick  structure 
at  606-612  Penn  street  and  established  their  store  there  in  1882. 
From  that  time,  owing  to  constantly  increasing  trade,  they  have 
made  enlargements  in  the  various  departments  of  the  building, 
and  now  they  have  the  largest  and  finest  department  store  in 
Reading,  and  one  of  the  finest  and  most  complete  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, comprising  altogether  over  thirty  distinct  departments. 
They  employ  from  350  to  400  hands.  In  connection  with  this 
store,  they  also  conduct  large  department  stores  at  Harrisburg, 
Pottstown,  Pottsville  and  Altoona.  The  total  employees  num- 
ber from  800  to  1,000  and  the  total  volume  of  business  runs 
into  millions  of  dollars.  John  Stewart  died  in  1882,  but  his- 
name  is  still  retained  in  the  firm  name. 

Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co. — In  1862,  Amos  K.  Kline  and 
Henry  Eppihimer  engaged  in  the  general  dry  goods  business  at 
522  Penn  square.  Jerome  L.  Boyer  was  a partner  from  1865  to 
1869  and  Calvin  K.  Whitner  from  1869  to  1877.  I n 1888  they 
enlarged  their  store,  and  also  added  the  greater  part  of  the  ad- 
joining building  on  the  west,  all  four-stories  in  height,  and  then 
they  made  their  place  into  a large  department  store.  In  1892, 
they  re-organized  the  firm  by  admitting  William  W.  Kline,  (son 
of  the  senior  partner,)  Richard  Lenhart  and  Franklin  Rieser  as 
partners,  and  thence  traded  as  Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co.  At  first 
they  employed  five  hands;  now  they  employ  from  50  to  75. 

J.  C.  Illig  & Bro . — Jonathan  C.  Illig  engaged  in  the  dry 
goods  business  with  Nathan  N.  Sprecher  in  1872,  at  420  Penn 
square,  trading  under  the  name  of  Illig  & Sprecher.  They 
continued  until  1876,  when  Mr.  Sprecher  retired,  and  the  senior 
partner’s  brother,  Thomas  B.,  for  some  years  an  employee,  was 
substituted  as  a partner,  the  firm  then  trading  as  J.  C.  Illig  & 
Bro.  During  the  past  twenty  years,  the  business  was  increased 
very  much,  adding  the  adjoining  building  on  the  west,  and  then 
the  second  and  third  stories  of  both  buildings,  to  meet  the  re- 
quirements of  their  trade.  In  1886,  it  was  made  a department 
store.  The  employees  now  number  40. 


ij\.6 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


C.  K.  Whitner  & Co. — Calvin  K.  Whitner,  (the  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  History  for  the  Sesqui-Centennial  of  Reading,) 
began  his  business  career  in  Oley  township,  Berks  County,  not 
far  from  the  place  of  his  birth,  when  he  entered  the  country 
store  of  Jacob  S.  Spang  & Son  at  Spangsville,  in  1861.  He 
remained  there  as  a clerk  until  1865,  when  he  went  to  Friedens- 
burg  and  with  Edwin  S.  Bear,  trading  as  Whitner  & Bear,  car- 
ried on  a store  for  two  years.  He  then  removed  to  Reading 
and  was  employed  as  book-keeper  with  Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co. 
for  a short  time,  when  he  became  a partner.  After  continuing 
in  this  firm  until  1877,  he  started  a dry  goods  store  for  himself 
at  432  Penn  Square,  with  6 employees.  By  the  year  1883,  his 
trade  had  increased  so  much  that  he  was  obliged  to  obtain 
larger  quarters,  and  in  that  behalf  he  removed  to  the  commodious 
store  building  442-444  Penn  square  which  had  been  vacated  by 
Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart.  In  1887,  his  son  Harry  became  a 
partner  and  the  store  was  enlarged  to  twice  its  previous  capacity. 
The  firm  traded  as  C.  K.  Whitner  & Son  until  the  son’s  decease 
in  December,  1890.  In  1891,  Mr.  Whitner  added  other  lines 
of  goods  and  he  made  his  place  a department  store;  and  by  way 
of  anticipating  additional  facilities  for  his  growing  business,  he 
purchased  two  properties  on  the  west,  Nos.  438  and  440.  In 
1896,  a faithful  employee  for  many  years,  John  A.  Britton,  was 
admitted  as  a partner,  and  the  firm  name  made  C.  K.  Whitner  & 
Co.  In  April,  1898,  the  adjoining  building  No.  440  was  attached 
to  the  store  as  an  annex,  and  an  interior  direct  connection  was 
made,  evidencing  the  continuous  growth  of  the  firm’s  trade. 
They  employ  100  hands  and  upwards,  and  the  stock  comprises 
various  lines  of  goods  generally  carried  in  a department  store. 

John  S.  Shade  & Sons.--  John  S.  Shade  came  to  Reading 
from  Alsace  township  in  1867,  and  associated  with  Wellington 
S.  Levan  in  the  dry-goods  business  for  twenty  years,  starting 
with  several  hands  and  increasing  the  number  gradually  with 
the  demands  of  their  trade.  In  1887,  he  located  at  646  Penn 
street  and  established  a department  store  for  the  sale  of  dry 
goods,  notions,  jewelry,  housefurnishing  goods,  etc.  His  sons 
John  H.  and  C.  William  became  partners  in  1896,  and  from 
that  time  they  have  traded  as  John  S.  Shade  & Sons.  Their 
business  is  large,  affording  employment  to  35  hands,  this  num- 
ber increasing  to  50  in  busy  seasons. 


DEPARTMENT  STORE  OF  C.  K.  WHITNER  & CO. 


DEPARTMENT  STORES. 


147 


J Mould  & Co. — In  1872 
Newburgh,  New  York,  to 
Reading,  and  opened  a gen- 
eral dry  goods  store,  which 
came  to  be  popularly  known 
as  the  “Bee  Hive,”  employ- 
ing 10  hands  and  doing  an 
annual  business  of  $40,000. 
As  his  trade  increased  he 
made  several  changes  in  lo- 
cation for  enlarged  accom- 
modations. In  1887  his 
brother-in-law,  George  H. 
Bell,  became  a partner  and 
the  business  was  thence  car- 
ried on  under  the  name  ot 
J.  Mould  & Co.  In  1892 
the  firm  erected  a large  four- 
story  brick  building  at  647- 
649  Penn  street  and  made  it 
a department  store  to  sup- 
ply all  kinds  of  articles, 
such  as  dry  goods,  notions, 
laces, furnishings,  chinaware, 
jewelry,  etc.,  and  placed 
each  department  in  charge 
of  a competent  manager. 
Shortly  afterward,  they 
added  a wholesale  depart- 
ment,  and  set  apart  the 
third  and  fourth  floors  o f 
the  building  for  this  branch 
■ of  their  business.  They 
have  several  traveling  sales- 
men on  the  road  supplying 
many  orders  to  merchants 
in  the  surrounding  counties. 
The  employees  number  from 
60  to  80,  and  the  annual 
business  exceeds  $200,000. 


Jonathan  Mould  removed  from 


MOULD  DEPARTMENT  STORE. 


148 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


ELECTRICITY. 

Light  and  Power. — The  introduction  of  electricity  at  Read- 
ing for  light  and  power  is  described  in  Chapter  I,  Part  III, 
Internal  Improvements,  page  52,  where  special  mention  is  made 
of  the  Metropolitan  Electric  Company,  and  the  application  ot 
electricity  in  lighting  the  streets,  stores  and  public  buildings, 
and  in  operating  the  street  railway  cars. 

The  first  electric  call  bells  were  introduced  and  put  up  at 
Reading  by  John  M.  Bertolet  in  1873,  who  was  then  a telegraph 
operator.  Others  who  engaged  in  the  business  subsequently, 
together  with  wiring  buildings  for  electric  lighting,  were  H.  K. 
Reber,  Weimer  Sands,  Fred  Row,  Paul  Anthony,  Henry  Hill 
and  Willis  Breidegam. 

Reading  Electric  Supply  Co. — Horatio  K.  Reber  began  to 
put  up  electric  bells,  gas  lighting  and  burglar  alarms  at  Reading 
in  1882.  He  continued  in  this  business  until  1890  when  he 
added  construction  electrical  work,  such  as  motors,  dynamos, 
isolated  plants,  electric  lighting  and  interior  work  of  every  de- 
scription, and  continued  the  same  until  now,  filling  orders  from 
different  parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  other  states,  but  mostly  in 
Reading  and  vicinity.  He  has  been  trading  as  the  Reading 
Electric  Supply  Co. 

Reading  Electrical  Constructio?i  Co.  Limited , was  organized 
in  1894,  with  a capital  of  $6,000  for  the  purpose  of  erecting 
electric  light  and  railway  plants  and  doing  construction  work  of 
every  description  and  wiring  dwellings  for  bells  and  lighting. 
They  have  supplied  various  works  and  street  car  companies  in 
different  parts  of  Pennsylvania.  Employees  from  10  to  15; 
wages,  $6,000;  annual  business,  $30,000.  Officers:  A.  V. 
Arrowsmith,  chairman,  and  J.  K.  Righter,  sec.  and  treas. 

Richards  & Willits. — In  1894,  Paul  D.  Millholland  began 
electric  work  of  all  kinds  especially  for  light  and  railway  plants, 
and  for  wiring  buildings.  In  1897  he  was  succeeded  by  Louis 
Richards,  jr. , and  Samuel  Willits,  trading  as  Richards  & Willits. 
They  were  engaged  in  business  for  a year,  when  they  enlisted 
with  the  Reading  Artillerists  in  the  Cuban  War  and  the  Read- 
ing Electrical  Construction  Co.  on  that  account  became  the 
purchaser. 


EXPRESS  COMPANIES. 


149 


EXPRESS  AND  TRANSFER  COMPANIES. 

Albright  Express. — Soon  after  the  opening  of  the  Philadel- 
phia and  Reading  railroad,  Philip  Albright  established  an  ex- 
press line  for  the  delivery  of  goods  and  merchandise,  and  he 
continued  in  the  business  until  1872.  For  a long  time  he  had 
an  express  car  attached  to  the  passenger  trains,  which  enabled 
him  to  despatch  shipments  to  Philadelphia  and  delivery  at 
Reading. 

Express  Companies. — The  Howard  Express  was  the  first 
company  to  locate  at  Reading,  having  established  an  office  here 
in  1849  and  continued  until  1870;  the  Central  conducted  an 
office  here  from  1870  to  1880;  and  the  Adams  from  1880  to 
the  present  time.  The  P.  & R.  R.  Co.  Express  started  in 

1872,  and  continued  until  1889,  when  the  business  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  U.  S.  Express  Co. 

Local  Express. — Edwin  C.  Hiester  began  in  1861  with  3 
teams,  transferring  passengers  and  baggage  and  delivering 
freight.  After  carrying  on  the  business  for  several  years  he 
sold  out  to  Jacob  W.  Glase,  who  operated  it  until  1878,  when 
Mr.  Hiester  resumed  the  business  with  his  brother  Gabriel  O., 
as  a partner,  trading  as  E.  C.  Hiester  & Bro.  They  continued 
until  1895,  when  E.  C.  Hiester  became  sole  owner.  He  runs 
11  teams.  This  firm  also  ran  transfer  coaches  for  passengers 
and  baggage  from  1885  to  1893. 

Henry  A.  Brown  began  a local  express  with  one  team  in  1873, 
and  he  has  conducted  the  business  since.  He  runs  seven  teams 
in  moving  furniture  and  delivering  freight. 

Obadiah  B.  Coller  began  doing  a local  express  business  in 

1873,  and  has  continued  until  now.  He  employs  4 teams. 

Other  persons  started  recently  in  the  business  and  run  one  or 

more  teams.  Now  they  number  altogether  twenty. 

Union  Transfer  Co. — In  1888  the  P.  & R.  R,  Co.  began  the 
business  of  transferring  baggage  and  travelers  at  Reading  with 
C.  A.  Dougherty  as  manager,  and  in  1889  cabs  were  added  to 
the  system.  In  1893  the  business  was  sold  to  the  Union  Trans- 
fer Co.  which  was  conducting  similar  systems  at  Philadelphia, 
Pottsville,  Trenton  and  Atlantic  City.  In  1896  they  erected  a 
large  stable  at  Court  and  Cedar  streets,  costing  $25,000.  They 


HISTORY  OF  READING, 


150 

have  in  daily  use  30  horses,  employ  from  25  to  30  persons,  and 
run  7 baggage  wagons,  4 depot  coaches,  and  19  cabs,  enabling 
the  company  to  supply  a service  equal  to  any  in  the  country. 
Investment,  $125,000. 

FERTILIZER. 

In  1891  K.  Harry  Cleaver,  A.  Thalheimer  and  Wilson  B.  Ang- 
stadt  organized  a limited  co-partnership,  trading  as  Reading 
Chemical  and  Fertilizing  Co.,  for  the  manufacture  of  farm  ferti- 
lizer, chicken  feed,  and  disinfectant.  They  employ  40  hands; 
also  about  200  agents  for  the  sale  of  their  productions  in  the 
Middle  States.  Investment,  $75,000.  Factory  is  situated  near 
Wyomissing,  along  Lebanon  Valley  railroad. 

FIRE  APPARATUS. 

In  1880  Spawn  & Dennison  located  at  Reading  through  the. 
assistance  of  John  McKnight,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing 
fire  apparatus.  They  started  in  the  Kreider  carriage  factory, 
on  Pearl  street  near  Franklin.  In  1883  William  A.  Wunder 
purchased  the  business,  including  all  the  tools,  patterns,  etc., 
and  he  has  been  carrying  it  on  in  a successful  manner  since  that 
time.  The  works  are  located  at  Green  and  Gordon  streets 
He  manufactures  hose-carriages,  carts,  tenders,  jumpers  and 
hook  and  ladder  trucks;  also  fancy  hose  carriages  for  parading 
purposes,  which  have  a high  reputation  for  excellence  of  work- 
manship. His  trade  extends  into  different  parts  of  the  United 
States.  He  employs  12  men. 

FLOUR  MILLS. 

Several  grist  mills  were  conducted  at  Reading  for  many  years 
very  successfully  until  western  flour  came  to  be  introduced  ex- 
tensively; then  competition  caused  them  to  suspend.  Those 
worthy  of  mention  were  Lotz’s,  Reese’s,  Frees’,  and  Molino. 
This  suspension  applies  not  only  to  the  mills  at  and  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity  of  Reading,  but  to  those  roundabout  for 
many  miles  with  few  exceptions. 

Yocom  Mill. — The  only  remaining  flour  mill  in  Reading  is 
carried  on  by  Aaron  Yocom  at  Eighth  and  Elm  Streets.  It  was 
established  by  him  in  1871  and  afterward  equipped  with  roller 
machinery.  He  employs  9 men  and  produces  50  barrels  of 


FURNITURE. 


x5r 

flour  daily.  His  trade  extends  to  Ohio,  but  it  is  mostly  of  a local 
nature.  Chopped  feed  is  also  made  in  large  quantities. 

Dietrich  Mill. — Daniel  F.  Dietrich  and  his  sons  Elmer  and 
Wellington  organized  the  Penn  Milling  Co.  in  1891  for  the 
manufacture  of  flour.  They  operate  a large  mill  in  West  Read- 
ing, near  the  Harrisburg  bridge,  which  is  equipped  with  fine 
roller  machinery,  employ  13  men  and  produce  daily  150  barrels 
of  flour  which  are  shipped  from  Reading.  Investment,  $30,000. 

FURNITURE. 

Cabinet-makers  were  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  furniture 
from  the  beginning  of  the  town  until  1873  and  they  supplied  the 
demands  of  the  people.  Their  shops  began  to  be  turned  into 
stores  and  dealers  took  the  place  of  manufacturers  and  this  has 
continued  until  the  present  time.  Articles  of  all  kinds  are  made 
elsewhere,  mostly  in  the  Northwest,  and  shipped  here  for  sale  at 
much  cheaper  prices  than  theretofore.  The  major  part  of  the 
dealers  manufacture  more  or  less,  but  only  special  articles- 
ordered  by  customers. 

GALVANIZING  AND  NICKEL-PLATING. 

The  work  of  galvanizing  was  begun  in  Reading  in  1873  by 
Asaph  Shenfelder,  J.  M.  Shenfelder,  his  son,  and  Joseph  P.  Sto- 
fer,  his  son-in-law,  with  William  McCullough  as  foreman  of  the 
establishment.  They  carried  on  the  business  until  1877,  when 
it  was  removed  to  Camden,  N.  J. 

McCullough  Works. — In  1877  Mr.  McCullough  took  up  the 
business  at  Reading.  He  has  continued  it  until  now,  employ- 
ing three  hands,  and  doing  all  the  galvanizing  for  the  hardware 
and  stove  works.  The  only  other  place  at  which  this  kind  of 
work  is  done  here  is  the  Reading  Iron  Works. 

P.  & F.  Manufacturing  Co. — In  1881,  Robert  Erhart,  a. 
German  electrician,  began  a nickel-plating  works  on  South 
Sixth  street  for  stove  trimmings  and  brass,  bronze  and  metal 
castings.  He  was  succeeded  by  William  W.  Kinsil  in  1882  who- 
removed  the  plant  to  316  Maple  street  and  carried  on  the  same 
until  1885.  Edward  H.  Smeltzer  then  purchased  and  conducted 
the  establishment  for  six  years.  In  1891,  Daniel  F.  Printz  and 
Samuel  H.  Fulmer  purchased  the  works  from  Mr.  Smeltzer  and 
formed  a partnership,  trading  as  P.  & F.  Manufacturing  Co. 


152 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


In  1895,  they  added  the  manufactured  bicycle  sundries,  includ- 
ing the  “P.  & F.  Saddle”  and  afterward  also  tool-bags  and 
pedals,  having  enlarged  their  plant  as  the  business  increased. 
The  works  are  in  three  departments,  nickel-plating,  bicycles, 
and  electrical  construction.  Their  trade  extends  to  all  parts  of 
the  world,  especially  United  States,  England,  Germany  and 
Australia.  They  employ  150  persons.  Investment,  $150,000. 
Annual  business,  $250,000. 

GAS. 

The  manufacture  of  gas  at  Reading  has  been  a very  impor- 
tant and  useful  industry  for  the  past  fifty  years  and  it  has  been 
operated  very  successfully.  It  is  however  classed  as  an  Inter- 
nal Improvement,  and  the  reader  is  referred  to  Chapter  I,  Part 
2,  page  51. 

GLASS. 

The  first  glass  works  were  established  in  1884  by  Lewis  Kremp 
on  Ninth  street  below  Laurel,  and  all  kinds  of  fancy  glass-ware, 
in  all  colors,  were  manufactured  and  shipped  to  Philadelphia, 
New  York,  Boston  and  Chicago.  His  son  Joseph  was  the 
manager.  Employees.  14;  annual  business,  $10,000.  Not 
meeting  with  sufficient  encouragement,  the  works  were  sus- 
pended in  1886,  and  the  building  was  converted  into  a brewery. 

Reading  Glass  Works. — In  1889,  William  M.  Fox,  Benjamin 
F.  Fox  and  Eli  W.  Fox  associated  together  for  the  manufacture 
of  glass  hollow  ware,  comprising  all  kinds  of  bottles  from  the 
smallest  in  size  to  the  largest,  and  for  that  purpose  leased  the 
old  Krick  Mill  on  Canal  street  near  the  Lebanon  Valley 
Railroad  bridge.  They  erected  a separate  building  for  a factory 
and  have  carried  on  the  business  successfully  at  that  place  until 
the  present  time.  The  machinery  is  run  by  water-power,  sup- 
plied by  the  Schuylkill  canal,  being  the  only  industry  at  Read- 
ing operated  in  this  manner.  At  the  start  they  employed  35 
hands;  now  they  employ  65.  Investment,  $40,000;  annual 
production,  $80,000.  William  M.  Fox  died  in  1896,  and  his 
interest  in  the  business  was  purchased  by  Eli  W.  Fox.  This  is 
the  only  glass  factory  at  Reading. 

GLUE. 

Levan  Factory. — Abraham  Ebling  was  the  first  glue  manufac- 
turer at  Reading.  His  factory  was  on  the  north  side  of  Cherry 


WORKS  OF  CONSUMERS’  GAS  COMPANY. 


GREEN- H ('USES. 


153 


street  midway  between  Tenth  and  Eleventh,  and  there  he  car- 
ried on  the  business  from  1810  to  1840.  Samuel  and  Daniel 
Levan,  brothers,  served  their  apprenticeship  under  him.  The 
former  was  engaged  in  the  business  from  1830  to  1870,  and  his 
factory  was  at  Franklin  and  Wunder  streets  for  the  greater  part 
of  the  time;  the  latter  succeeded  Mr.  Ebling  and  operated  the 
factory  until  his  decease  in  1873.  The  building  was  a four-story 
frame  structure,  32  by  66  feet.  He  employed  12  hands  and  pro- 
duced 30  tons  annually,  which  was  shipped  to  Philadelphia,  New 
York  and  Boston. 

Upon  the  decease  of  Daniel  Levan,  the  factory  was  removed 
to  Exeter  township  on  the  Oley  road  near  the  Antietam  creek. 
His  son  Joseph  became  the  owner  in  1875,  who  has  since  oper- 
ated it,  employing.  1 8 hands  and  manufacturing  500  barrels  a 
year,  about  50  tons,  which  are  shipped  mostly  to  Philadelphia 
and  New  York. 

GREEN-HOUSES. 

Steckler  Gree?i- House. — The  cultivation  of  flowers  of  various 
kinds  to  supply  the  public  was  begun  at  Reading  by  Michael 
Hauser  about  1840.  on  premises  adjoining  the  iron  works  of 
Keims,  Whittaker  & Co.  He  remained  there  until  his  green- 
house was  swept  away  by  the  freshet  of  1850,  when  he  removed 
to  North  Eighth  street  near  the  junction  at  Spring  street. 
After  remaining  there  many  years  he  established  his  place  on 
Centre  avenue  opposite  the  Charles  Evans  Cemetery.  He  was 
succeeded  by  his  son  Francis.  The  green-house  is  now  carried 
on  by  his  son-in-law,  D.  H.  Steckler. 

Burnett  Green- House. — Alexander  Burnett  was  the  next  to  en- 
gage in  the  business  about  1850  on  Centre  avenue  adjoining  the 
cemetery  and  he  continued  it  for  many  years  until  his  decease  in 
1880. 

Hepler  Green-House. — In  1875  John  C.  Hepler  (now  super- 
intendent of  the  Charles  Evans  Cemetery),  began  a green-house 
for  flowers  of  all  kinds  on  Schuylkill  avenue  and  Greenwich 
streets  where  he  has  continued  until  now. 

Hoskhi  & Giles  Green- House. — In  the  same  year  Hoskin  & 
Giles  started  on  Mineral  Spring  avenue  and  Seventeenth  street, 
where  they  have  remained  until  now,  with  an  additional  plant  on 


154 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


North  Tenth  street  near  Court,  employing  altogether  15  hands 
and  producing  large  quantities  of  flowers  which  they  ship  to  all 
parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  adjoining  states. 

Connard  Green- House. — Bertolette  Connard  was  in  this  busi- 
ness at  Fifth  and  Spruce  streets  from  1880  to  1890. 

Hinner shots  Green- House. — Dr.  John  S.  Hinnershots  erected 
a large  green-house  in  Cumru  township  in  1891  and  has  carried 
it  on  extensively  until  now,  his  office  being  113  South  Fifth 
street.  His  plant  covers  acres  and  embraces  15  covered 
buildings. 

Others,  more  recently  in  the  business,  are  E.  H.  Beears  and 
R.  M.  McLenegan. 

GUNS  AND  GUN  BARRELS. 

Guns  and  gun  barrels  were  made  at  and  near  Reading  along 
the  Wyomissing  creek  from  the  beginning  of  the  town,  and 
continued  to  be  made  here  from  that  time. 

Nelson  Delaney  and  Henry  Schoener  were  engaged  in  their 
manufacture  before  and  during  the  Civil  War. 

Louis  Royet  came  from  France  in  1858,  and  located  at  Read- 
ing in  1867,  making  guns  from  that  time  until  now,  though  for 
some  years  past  he  has  been  engaged  mostly  in  repairs. 

Daniel  Gerhart  learned  the  trade  of  gunsmith  with  Delaney, 
and  he  continued  in  his  employ  until  1873,  when  he  started 
for  himself.  He  has  kept  at  it  until  the  present  time,  and  his 
work  is  also  mostly  repairs. 

HATS  AND  CAPS. 

The  manufacture  of  wool  and  fur  hats  is  the  oldest  prominent 
industry  at  Reading.  It  was  in  a flourishing  condition  when 
the  borough  was  erected.  The  prominent  hat  makers  between 
1752  and  1783  were  John  Jackson,  Samuel  Jackson,  Isaac 
Lebo,  Matthias  Hineline,  Elias  Youngman,  George  Schultz, 
Jacob  Graeff,  Peter  Nagle,  Sr.,  Peter  Gross,  Jacob  Gross, 
Baltzer  Henritze,  Frederick  Rapp,  Jr.,  and  Charles  Bouchat. 
In  1795  Berks  County  had  38  hatters,  and  produced  2200  fur 
hats  and  54,000  wool  hats,  the  latter  being  one-third  of  the 
entire  product  in  Pennsylvania.  These  were  manufactured 
almost  entirely  at  Reading. 

In  1824,  with  the  taxables  numbering  less  than  1,000,  there 
were  6 master-hatters,  who  gave  employment  to  450  journey- 


HAT  FACTORIES. 


155 


men  and  apprentices,  and  annually  worked  up  20  tons  of  wool  and 
manufactured  150,000  hats.  The  weight  of  a hat  then  was  11 
to  12  ounces,  and  its  dimensions  were  4)4  to  6 inches  high,  3)4 
to  4 inches  brim,  and  to  yi  inches  thick.  It  was  stiff  enough 
to  bear  a man  weighing  200  pounds.  Hats  were  all  hand-made. 
A hatter  could  make  8 a day.  He  worked  by  the  piece  and 
earned  less  than  a dollar.  The  colors  were  black  and  white. 

In  1840  there  were  at  Reading  14  factories,  which  produced 
annually  55,000  dozen  wool  hats;  also  8 factories  for  fine  hats 
which  did  a large  business.  In  1846  the  estimated  number  en- 
gaged in  making  hats  was  15  master-hatters  and  50  journeymen. 
The  average  daily  pay  was  96  cents.  The  different  colors  were 
introduced  in  1847.  Hats  began  to  be  made  by  machinery  in 
1852.  The  first  soft  wool  hats  were  made  here  in  1847  by  John 
Lotz  and  his  son  David  for  John  Maurer  whose  factory  was  on 
Penn  street  near  Tenth  on  Lot  No.  190.  They  weighed  from 
4 to  5 ounces,  and  were  from  6 to  6)4  inches  high. 

In  1854  Moyer  and  John  Siegel,  brothers,  were  the  largest 
manufacturers  of  hats  at  Reading.  They  employed  60  hands 
and  produced  daily  1200  hats,  consuming  3000  pounds  of 
wool  weekly.  John  Kutz  and  his  sons,  Adam  and  Samuel, 
were  engaged  in  the  business  for  many  years.  David  F.  Lotz 
was  also  a manufacturer  from  1856  until  his  decease  in  1894,  be- 
sides being  a prominent  builder.  Isaac  W.  Levan  was  engaged 
in  the  business  for  50  years,  having  started  in  1840  and  been 
prominent  as  a manufacturer  from  1865  to  1890. 

Previous  to  1877  the  wool  hat  was  what  was  commonly  known 
as  the  “Reading  Hat,”  made  on  the  Taylor  sizing  machine; 
then  through  R.  H.  Savage  the  fulling  mills  were  introduced 
and  an  improved  felt  hat  began  to  be  made.  He  also  intro- 
duced an  improved  felt  for  ladies’  hats  about  1878,  and  since 
that  time  the  manufacture  of  ladies’  .hats  has  become  a large 
industry  at  Reading. 

Hendel  Factory. — In  i860  John  Hendel  and  his  brother  George, 
with  their  father,  engaged  in  manufacturing  wool  hats  at  Adams- 
town,  Lancaster  county,  and  continued  there  until  1863,  when 
the  sons  located  at  St.  Lawrence,  below  Reading.  In  1867 
they  came  to  Reading  and  carried  on  the  business  more  ex- 
tensively. In  1871  they  purchased  the  Wyomissing  woolen 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


156 

mill  at  Fifth  and  Willow  streets,  remodeled  the  building  and 
equipped  it  for  manufacturing  wool  hats.  In  five  years  they 
came  to  have  one  of  the  leading  industries  at  Reading,  and 
one  of  the  largest  hat  factories  in  the  United  States.  In 
1879  their  sons  became  members  of  the  firm  which  afterward 
traded  as  Hendel  Bros.,  Sons  & Co.  In  1885  the  production 
was  250  dozen  a day,  including  all  varieties.  They  employed 
170  hands;  the  investment  was  $150,000. ; and  the  annual  busi- 
ness, $225,000.  Their  production  was  sold  at  New  York.  In 
1895  Daniel  J.,  Edwin  F.  and  Harrison  P. , the  sons  of  John 
Hendel,  became  the  owners,  and  they  operated  the  plant  until 
the  latter  part  of  1897,  when  they  discontinued  making  wTool 
hats,  and  began  to  convert  the  building  into  a fur  hat  factory. 
The  firm  purpose  manufacturing  fur  hats  extensively,  w'hich  will 
afford  constant  employment  for  300  hands. 

Wetherhold  Factory. — In  1866  Frank  D.  Nagle,  William  H. 
Parvin  and  Charles  Melcher  formed  a co-partnership  and  carried 
on  the  manufacture  of  wool  hats  under  the  name  of  Frank  D. 
Nagle  & Co.,  at  Tenth  and  Spruce  streets  for  eleven  years.  In 
1873  William  H.  Reinoehl  became  a partner.  The  firm  em- 
ployed 50  men  and  produced  120  dozen  of  hats  weekly,  which 
were  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  the  West  Indies, 
and  South  America.  In  1877  Mr.  Reinoehl'  purchased  the 
plant,  and  Robert  H.  Savage  and  Oscar  B.  Wetherhold  be- 
came partners,  who  carried  on  business  under  the  name  of  W. 
H.  Reinoehl  & Co.  Mr.  Savage  retired  from  the  firm  in  1882, 
and  Mr.  Reinoehl  died  in  1895.  Mr.  Wetherhold  then  became 
sole  owner  and  he  has  conducted  the  business  since,  under  the 
name  of  O.  B.  Wetherhold  & Co.  The  plant  comprises  six  ad- 
joining brick  buildings,  all  of  which  are  thoroughly  equipped 
wuth  machinery  for  the  business.  A fine  grade  of  w^ool  hats  is 
made  and  also  medium  grades  in  black  and  fancy  colors.  In 
1897  the  production  w^as  150  dozen  daily,  which  wrere  disposed 
of  through  a commission  house  at  New  York;  the  employees 
numbered  80;  investment  was  $75,000;  and  annual  wages 
amounted  to  $15,000.  An  addition  was  made  to  this  factory 
in  January,  1898,  for  manufacturing  fur  hats  in  connection  with 
v'ool  hats. 

Mohn  Factory. — In  1871  Jeremiah  G.,  William  G. , Richard 
G.  and  John  G.  Mohn,  brothers,  trading  as  J.  G.  Mohn  & 


HAT  FACTORIES. 


57 


Bros.,  started  manufacturing- wool  hats  on  Maple  street  below 
Chestnut.  William  died  in  1874  and  his  interest  was  purchased 
by  the  surviving  brothers.  In  1878  they  removed  their  plant 
to  Eleventh  street  below  Chestnut,  having  purchased  the  Kutz 
factory,  and  they  conducted  the  business  there  until  1892  when 
the  factory  was  destroyed  by  fire.  They  immediately  erected 
new  buildings  and  equipped  them  with  the  latest  machinery  for 
wool  hats;  and  in  1895  built  a large  addition.  Investment, 
$100,000;  employees,  200;  annual  wages,  $44,000;  and 
product,  50,000  dozen,  which  is  disposed  of  at  New  York 
through  the  commission  house  of  C.  H.  Tenney  & Co. 

Miller  Factory. — John  R.  Miller  came  to  Reading  from  Pine 
Grove  in  1870  to  engage  in  the  manufacture  of  wool  hats.  He 
was  associated  with  several  partners  until  1878,  carrying  on  a 
factory  in  Cumru  township  near  the  Lancaster  bridge.  In  1879 
he  established  a large  plant  at  the  foot  of  Fourth  street,  and  his 
brother  Henry  R.  Miller  became  a partner.  In  1885  they  em- 
ployed 100  persons,  and  produced  daily  150  dozen.  They  have 
operated  the  factory  in  a successful  manner  until  now.  Employ- 
ees, 160;  daily  product,  200  dozen,  which  is  sold  at  New  York. 

Kessler  Factory. — In  1876  Conrad  F.  Kessler  began  to  carry 
on  a wool  hat  factory  at  Eleventh  and  Spruce  streets.  In  1883 
his  son  William  H.  became  a partner,  and  some  years  afterward 
a second  son  George  J.,  who  have  since  traded  as  C.  F.  Kessler 
& Sons.  They  employ  from  50  to  75  hands,  and  have  a daily 
capacity  of  100  dozen.  Their  production  is  shipped  to  New 
York. 

Savage  Factory. — Robert  H.  Savage  came  from  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.  to  Reading  in  1877,  and  after  having  been  in  the  wool 
hat  business  with  W.  H.  Reinoehl  & Co.  until  1882,  started  for 
himself.  He  erected  a superior  four-story  brick  factory  at 
Thirteenth  and  Muhlenberg  streets  and  equipped  it  with  the 
best  machinery.  He  carried  on  business  under  the  name  of 
R.  H.  Savage  & Co.;  employed  80  hands,  and  produced  75 
dozen  daily.  In  1885  he  increased  the  plant,  and  from  that 
time  until  1896  employed  about  125  hands  and  produced  250 
dozen  daily.  The  annual  wages  amounted  to  $30,000,  and 
product  to  $300,000.  It  has  been  operated  by  Geo.  W. 
Alexander  & Co.  since  1897  in  manufacturing  fur  hats. 


158 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Alexander  Factory . — In  1878  George  W.  Alexander  formed  a 
woolen  company  consisting  of  himself,  son  Edward,  and  Fred- 
erick R.  Frill  for  the  manufacture  of  shoddies,  and  established  a 
mill  in  West  Reading,  but  not  meeting  with  encouragement 
from  the  local  hat  manufacturers,  the  mill  was  converted  into  a 
wool  hat  factory  and  carried  on  until  1892,  when  it  was  destroyed 
by  fire.  Mr.  Frill  died  in  1882,  and  thereafter  the  firm  traded 
as  G.  W.  Alexander  & Co.  The  mill  was  rebuilt  for  the  pro- 
duction of  fur  hats  and  equipped  with  the  best  machinery.  The 
firm  started  with  35  hands  and  produced  15  dozen  daily.  They 
gradually  increased  the  plant  an^l  product;  now  they  employ  240 
hands  and  produce  180  dozen  daily.  In  1897  they  took  posses- 
sion of  the  Savage  hat  factory  at  Reading  where  they  employ  in 
addition  70  hands  and  produce  daily  60  dozen.  The  total  vol- 
ume of  business  amounts  annually  to  $600,000  and  the  product 
is  shipped  to  jobbing  centres  in  Boston,.  New  York,  Philadelphia 
and  Baltimore. 

C.  IV.  Hendel  Factory. — Charles  W.  Hendel  equipped  a large 
factory  on  Third  street  below  Pine  with  machinery  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  fur  hats.  This  was  in  1889  and  he  employed  then 
100  hands,  and  produced  from  50  to  100  dozen  daily.  He  has 
since  increased  the  number  of  employees  to  225,  and  the  daily 
product  to  nearly  200  dozen  which  are  shipped  to  New  York. 

Guenther  Factory. — George  G.  Guenther  organized  a com- 
pany in  1891  for  the  manufacture  of  fur  hats  with  a capital  of 
$10,000  and  located  his  factory  on  Court  street  near  Tenth. 
Employees,  25;  product  is  shipped  to  New  York. 

Westney  Factory. — In  1895  Henry  C.  England  purchased  the 
wool  hat  factory  of  H.  B.  Hendel  & Co.,  at  Mohnsville  and 
organized  the  Westney  Hat  Co.  The  company  was  incorpor- 
ated in  1897  by  Mr.  England,  Wm.  E.  Westney,  George  A. 
Heckman  and  others  with  a capital  of  $15,000.  Employees, 
from  50  to  100,  and  annual  production  $60,000,  which  is  shipped 
to  New  York.  Officers:  W.  E.  Westney,  pres.;  Wm.  S. 
McKnight,  sec. ; George  A.  Heckman,  treas. 

Hendelton  Factory. — In  1879  John,  George  and  Henry 
Hendel,  brothers,  started  a large  wool  hat  factory  in  Cumru 
township  along  the  Wyomissing  creek,  equipping  it  with 
machinery  and  employing  50  hands.  The  brothers  John  and 


HORSE  COLLARS. 


159 


Henry  retired  in  1892,  and  George’s  sons,  John  R.  and  William 
H.,  became  partners,  the  firm  trading  as  George  Hendel  & Sons. 
The  plant  was  continued  as  a wool  hat  factory  until  April, 
1898,  when  machinery  was  introduced  for  making  fur  hats  also. 
They  now  employ  from  125  to  150  hands  and  manufacture  daily 
from  200  to  300  dozen,  which  are  forwarded  to  New  York. 

Montello  Factory. — In  1887  John  and  George  Hendel  and 
their  sons  established  a wool  hat  factory  near  Montello,  south 
of  Sinking  Springs  in  Lower  Heidelberg  township,  along  the 
Cacoosing  creek,  trading  as  the  Hendel  Hat  Co.  The  building 
was  a three-story  frame;  they  employed  from  20  to  25  hands, 
and  produced  daily  from  50  to  60  dozen.  The  partnership  was 
dissolved  in  1894,  and  George  Hendel  and  his  sons  John  R.  and 
William  H.  became  the  owners.  They  enlarged  the  plant  and 
operated  the  same  since,  employing  from  75  to  100  hands  and 
producing  from  150  to  200  dozen  wool  hats  daily,  all  of  which 
were  shipped  to  New  York. 

These  two  factories,  though  not  situated  in  Reading,  must  be 
classed  with  its  industrial  establishments  because  the  owners  and 
operators  are  residents  of  Reading  and  their  business  affairs, 
particularly  financial,  are  transacted  here. 

Caps. — In  January,  1897,  Thomas  Fein,  Abraham  Berger 
and  Harry  Picom  came  to  Reading  from  Philadelphia,  where 
they  had  been  engaged  in  making  woolen  cloth  caps  since  1891, 
and  began  trading  as  the  Reading  Hat  & Cap  Co.,  locating 
their  place  of  business  at  635  Penn  street.  They  employ  10 
persons  and  produce  about  9,000  caps  yearly,  which  are 
shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  country. 

HORSE  COLLARS. 

Saddlers  were  amongst  the  first  to  carry  on  manufactures  at 
Reading.  They  made  harness,  including  horse  collars.  After 
the  town  had  grown  to  a considerable  population,  about  the 
time  when  the  stages  began  to  run,  particularly  after  the  canals 
had  been  put  into  operation,  the  making  of  horse  collars  became 
a business  by  itself.  The  first  distinctive  maker  was  John  Reit- 
mier,  and  he  carried  on  a shop  for  many  years.  George  Frees 
was  a successful  harness  and  collar  maker  from  1848  to  1872. 

Nathaniel  Gery  made  collars  before  and  after  the  Civil  War 
until  1870.  He  was  succeeded  by  Christian  Grunder  at  8 North 


1 62 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


•exceed  $12,000,000,  and  annual  product,  $15,000,000;  the  em- 
ployees to  number  about  8,000,  and  the  annual  wages  to  amount 
to  at  least  $3,500,000, — this  not  including  the  P.  & R.  R. 
Co.  works. 

P.  & R.  R.  Co.  Works. — The  extensive  works  of  the  Phila- 
delphia and  Reading  Railway  Co.  at  Reading  deserve  special 
mention  at  the  head  of  this  part  of  the  chapter  detailing  the  indus- 
trial affairs  of  the  city,  on  account  of  their  continued  existence 
here  for  the  past  60  years,  the  large  number  of  men  constantly 
employed,  and  the  immense  amount  of  wages  paid.  The  con- 
struction of  the  railway  in  1836  immediately  stimulated  enter- 
prises of  various  kinds,  and  caused  large  sums  of  money  to  be 
invested  in  manufacturing  concerns.  On  that  account  not  only 
capital  but  many  mechanics  concentrated  here,  and  buildings 
multiplied  rapidly  to  answer  the  demands  of  the  increasing 
population. 

The  first  large  shop  was  erected  in  1838  on  the  half-block 
on  the  west  side  of  Seventh  street  between  Franklin  and  Chest- 
nut streets,  where  it  has  continued  until  now,  and  each  decade 
found  the  company  with  additional  facilities  for  the  manufacture 
and  repair  of  engines  and  cars,  and  for  the  handling  of  freight 
not  only  in  the  vicinity  of  Seventh  and  Chestnut  streets,  but  on 
both  sides  of  the  railroad,  extending  beyond  Walnut  street  for 
nearly  two  miles.  The  total  income  to  a large  number  of  work- 
ing people  of  Reading  from  this  source  since  1836,  exceeds 
$50,000,000,  and  it  can  be  stated  that  a great  proportion  of  the 
substantial  growth  of  Reading  in  buildings,  stores,  factories, 
churches  and  schools  is  directly  attributable  to  the  company’s 
disbursements  here. 

The  possessions  of  the  company  at  Reading  amount  to  an 
enormous  sum;  from  which  it  is  apparent  that  a considerable 
part  of  its  receipts  was  also  expended  here  in  making  large 
permanent  improvements  of  the  most  substantial  character. 
The  principal  office  of  the  company  at  Reading  is  situated  in 
the  main  railroad  station  at  the  conjunction  of  its  several 
branches  with  the  main  line,  and  this  has  come  to  be  the  terri- 
torial centre  of  the  city.  The  aggregate  number  of  hands  em- 
ployed in  the  offices  and  shops  and  on  the  railroads  at  Reading 
in  December,  1897,  was  near  3,000;  and  the  monthly  wages 
exceeded  $125,000,  or  a total  for  the  year  exceeding  $1,500,000. 


UNION  STATION  OF  PHILADELPHIA  AND  READING  RAILWAY  COMPANY,  AT  READING. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


163 


At  the  passenger  station  there  were  2,452  trains  during 
December,  1897,  which  carried  66,650  passengers  to  and  from 
Reading;  at  the  freight  depots  there  were  4,193  trains  which 
moved  167,700  cars;  and  the  aggregate  tonnage  directly  affect- 
ing local  interests  at  the  several  freight  depots  was  127,000. 

The  following  statistics  are  supplied  in  this  connection  for  the 
year  1897  to  give  the  reader  an  idea  of  the  wonderful  extent  of 
the  business  done  by  the  company  at  Reading: — Passenger 
trains,  27,000;  passengers  carried,  800,000;  freight  trains  over 
50,000;  freight  cars  moved  over  2,000,000;  tonnage,  1,500,000; 
excursion  passengers,  80,338. 

Most  of  its  mechanics  in  the  several  departments  have  been 
recognized  during  the  last  30  years,  here  and  elsewhere,  for 
their  skill  and  efficiency;  indeed  so  widespread  has  their  repu- 
tation become  that  a statement  in  applying  for  work  that  they 
served  their  apprenticeship  with  the  company,  worked  in  its 
shops,  operated  an  engine,  or  conducted  a train,  has  been  re- 
garded as  a sufficient  recommendation.  This  can  also  be  said  of 
its  clerks,  many  of  whom  have  begun  as  messenger  boys,  and 
risen  to  the  highest  positions  of  different  departments.  A con- 
siderable number  of  its  employees  have  been  in  continuous  ser- 
vice for  thirty  and  forty,  even  fifty  years.  This  feature  of  the 
history  of  the  company  is  particularly  noteworthy. 

Reading  Iroyi  Co. — The  first  large  iron  works  at  Reading 
were  established  in  1836  by  Benneville  Keim,  George  M.  Keim, 
James  Whittaker  and  Simon  Seyfert,  who  traded  under  the  firm 
name  of  Reims,  Whittaker  & Co.  , and  were  known  as  “Reading 
Iron  and  Nail  Works.”  They  were  located  at  the  extreme 
southern  end  of  the  town  between  the  Schuylkill  and  the  rail- 
road to  facilitate  the  shipment  of  their  products  by  canal  as  well 
as  by  railroad.  The  canal  had  been  carried  on  for  twelve  years, 
but  the  railroad  had  just  been  constructed.  These  works  were 
planned  on  an  extensive  scale,  and  comprised  a rolling  mill,  slit- 
ting mill  and  nail  factory;  and  here  the  first  large  stationary 
engine  in  Berks  County  was  introduced  for  driving  machinery. 
Bar-iron  was  made  in  large  quantities;  also  cut  nails  by  twenty- 
six  nail  machines.  The  employees  numbered  250.  In  1846, 
the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Seyfert,  McManus  & Co.,  and  in 
1862,  the  company  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the 


164 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Reading  Iron  Works.  The  Tube  Mill  was  added  in  1848;  Fur- 
nace No.  1,  in  1853;  Scott  Foundry  and  Steam  Forge  in  1862; 
Sheet  Mill  in  1865;  and  Furnace  No.  2,  in  1874. 

The  Reading  Iron  Works  having  failed  in  1889,  the  Reading 
Iron  Co.  was  organized  and  incorporated  in  that  year,  and  after 
purchasing  all  of  the  plants  of  the  former  company  and  greatly 
improving  them,  the  following  extensive  establishments  were 
added:  Keystone  Furnaces  in  1889;  Montour  Rolling  Mills  at 
Danville  in  1895;  Reading  Rolling  Mill  and  Oley  Street  Mills 
in  1896. 

The  tube  works,  comprising  four  establishments,  are  among 
the  largest  in  America.  Their  product  consists  of  wrought  iron, 
steam,  water,  gas,  ammonia,  and  hydraulic  pipe,  casing  and  line 
pipe  of  every  description,  and  oil  well  and  boiler  tubing.  Their 
annual  capacity  exceeds  75,000  tons.  A galvanizing  plant  is 
connected  therewith  for  galvanizing  pipes  and  tubes. 

The  blast  furnaces  are  five  in  number,  whose  annual  produc- 
tion exceeds  200,000  tons  of  pig-metal.  Their  products  of  a 
special  and  superior  quality  are  made  out  of  ore  from  the  richest 
and  best  mines  in  the  country. 

The  rolling  mills  are  five  in  number  with  a combined  annual 
capacity  of  200,000  tons.  Their  product  is  grooved  and  sheared 
skelp  iron,  merchant  bar-iron,  angle  iron,  boiler  plate  and  splice 
plates,  beams,  channels,  tees  and  rails  of  every  description. 

The  Scott  foundry  and  machine  shops  produce  cotton  presses,, 
sugar  mill  machinery,  blast  furnace  engines,  rolling  mill  work, 
tools,  boilers,  tanks,  ordnance  and  projectiles. 

The  steam  forge  is  equipped  with  powerful  machinery  espe- 
cially adapted  to  manufacturing  heavy  forgings  for  marine  and 
engine  work,  and  for  machinery  of  every  description. 

The  processes,  by  which  the  manufacture  of  the  specialties 
named  is  conducted,  are  of  the  most  perfect,  and  the  utmost 
care  is  taken  to  maintain  the  highest  standard  of  excellence. 
The  products  of  the  several  plants  are  unrivaled  and  there  is  an 
increasing  demand  for  them  in  all  sections  of  the  world. 

The  total  investment  is  $7,000,000;  men  employed  from  3,000 
to  4,000;  annual  wages,  $1,300,000;  and  product,  $8,500,000. 
The  company  is  the  largest  industrial  enterprise  at  Reading. 
George  F.  Baer  is  president,  and  F.  C.  Smink,  treasurer  and 
general  manager. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES 


1^5 


Reading  Hardware  Co. — In  1851  William  Harbster,  a black- 
smith, established  a shop  at  the  foot  of  Sixth  street,  for  general 


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blacksmith  work.  In  1852  his  brothers, ^Matthan  and  John,  as- 
sociated with  him,  under  the  name  of  Harbster  Brothers,  for  the 
manufacture  of  builders’  hardware,  such  as  locks,  bolts,  fast- 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


1 66 

eners,  latches,  etc. , and  erected  a foundry.  They  carried  on 
the  business  successfully  for  six  years,  when  William  M.  Gris- 
com  became  a partner.  They  then  traded  as  Harbster  Bros.  & 
Co.,  until  1872,  when  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Reading 
Hardware  Co.  Their  plant  was  gradually  enlarged  and  by  the 
year  1895  the  buildings  covered  five  acres  of  ground,  all  3 
and 4 stories  high;  the  employees  numbered  850,  and  the  annual 
wages  amounted  to  over  $100,000.  Their  productions  included 
all  kinds  and  styles  of  hardware,  both  plain  and  ornamental, 
which  were  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  world.  The  com- 
pany was  incorporated  in  1886.  In  1887  the  greater  part  of 
their  immense  plant  was  destroyed  by  fire,  involving  a loss  of 
over  $400,000,  but  they  immediately  rebuilt  the  establishment, 
the  superior  buildings  being  much  improved  in  arrangement  and 
equipment.  They  continued  to  increase  their  trade  year  after 
year,  making  a specialty  of  furnishing  large  hotels  and  office 
buildings  at  New  York,  Philadelphia  and  Chicago,  with  all  the 
necessary  hardware.  In  this  they  were  very  successful,  for  their 
unique  and  artistic  designs  in  fine  bronze  obtained  the  prefer- 
ence with  the  most  prominent  architects  and  builders  in  the  coun- 
try. They  have  established  branch  offices  at  the  cities  named 
for  displaying  a full  line  of  their  productions.  Investment, 
$1,000,000;  annual  volume  of  business  over  $1,000,000;  and 
wages  over  $400,000.  Officers:  Matthan  Harbster,  pres.; 
Henry  C.  England,  treas. ; John  E.  Harbster,  sec. ; G.  N.  Jacobi, 
gen’l  manager. 

Penn  Hardware  Co. — In  1877  C.  Raymond  Heizmann  and 
Albert  A.  Heizmann  began  the  manufacture  of  builders’  hard- 
ware and  hardware  specialties  of  all  kinds,  at  the  foot  of  Spruce 
street,  where  they  have  continued  until  the  present  time,  en- 
larging and  improving  their  plant  with  increasing  business. 
Their  productions  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  In- 
vestment, $415,000;  employees,  500;  annual  wages,  $200,000; 
and  product,  $500,000.  The  company  was  incorporated  in 
1896.  Officers:  C.  Raymond  Heizmann,  pres.;  Theodore  I. 
Heizmann,  vice  pres. ; Albert  A.  Heizmann,  treas. ; Luke  E. 
Fichthorn,  ass’t  treas*  Irvin  S.  Ermentrout,  sec. 

Henry  Clay  Furnaces. — In  1842  Isaac  Eckert  and  his  brother 
Dr.  George  N.  Eckert  erected  a furnace  for  the  manufacture  of 


PENN  HARDWARE  WORKS. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


167 





HISTORY  OF  READING. 


I 68 

pig  iron,  along  the  P.  & R.  R.  R.  at  South  street,  and  the  ma- 
chinery was  made  by  Darling,  Taylor  & Co.,  which  is  said  to 
have  been  the  first  produced  by  that  firm  at  Reading.  This  fur- 
nace was  the  first  establishment  in  the  Schuylkill  Valley  at  which 
pig  iron  was  produced  by  the  use  of  anthracite  coal.  In  1855 
the  furnace  was  enlarged.  In  1868  Dr.  George  N.  Eckert  died 
and  his  interest  was  purchased  by  Isaac  Eckert,  who  then  con- 
ducted the  furnace  until  his  decease  in  1873,  when  his  sons, 
Henry  S.  and  George  B.  Eckert,  became  the  owners.  The  fur- 
nace was  then  carried  on  by  Eckert  & Bro.  for  twenty  years. 
Henry  S.  Eckert  died  in  1893,  but  his  interest  is  still  held  by  the 
estate,  and  the  furnace  is  operated  under  the  name  of  Eckert  & 
Bro.  They  employ  100  hands  and  produce  annually  52,000 
tons  of  pig  metal  which  is  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the 
country. 

Mcllvain  Iron  Works. — William  Mcllvain  was  engaged  in 
the  business  of  manufacturing  boiler  plate  at  Gibraltar,  Berks 
county,  with  Simon  Seyfert  and  Henry  A.  Seyfert,  from  1846 
to  1856;  then  he  established  works  at  Reading  on  Neversink 
street  at  the  foot  of  Eighth,  which  were  successfully  operated 
until  1897  an^  then  discontinued.  The  works  comprised  2 heat- 
ing furnaces,  a pair  of  plate  rolls  72  inches  long  by  22  inches  in 
diameter,  and  a Nasmyth  hammer.  In  1862  his  sons  Morton 
C.  and  William  R.  were  admitted  as  partners,  the  firm  then 
taking  the  name  of  William  Mcllvain  & Sons.  Additions  and 
improvements  were  made  in  1864  and  1873.  In  the  latter  year 
the  rolls  were  enlarged  to  87  inches  long  and  25  inches  in  diam- 
eter. In  1886  the  production  of  boiler  plate  amounted  to  over 
5,000  tons;  afterward  it  was  increased  to  10,000  tons.  It  was 
shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  investment  was  $20,- 
000,  and  the  employees  numbered  150. 

Keystone  Iron  Works. — In  1854  Jacob  Snell,  James  Mullen, 
Robert  Bamford  and  Henry  McCarty  associated  together  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  a forge,  erected  a plant  on  Pine  street, 
between  Second  and  Third,  equipped  it  with  superior  machinery 
(including  four  engines),  and  operated  it  for  five  years,  when 
Jacques  V.  Craig,  Benneville  A.  Glase  and  Lewis  Koch  became 
the  owners.  Subsequently  it  was  converted  into  a rolling  mill. 
Jacques  V.  Craig  died  in  1884  and  his  interest  in  the  wTorks  was 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


I69 

purchased  by  his  son  John.  Jacob  Snell  was  connected  with 
the  establishment  for  a number  of  years.  He  died  in  1894,  and 
his  interest  was  also  purchased  by  John  Craig,  by  whom  it  has 
been  operated  since.  Average  employees,  100;  annual  wages, 
$50,000;  product,  6,000  tons  of  boiler  plate,  skelp,  tank,  chute, 
stack,  pipe,  boat  and  car  iron,  but  latterly  principally  skelp, 
which  was  supplied  to  the  local  market. 

Reading  Butt  Works. — In  1867  Cyrus,  John,  Charles  and 
James  Rick,  under  the  name  of  Rick  Bros.,  erected  a foundry 
at  Third  and  Buttonwood  streets,  for  the  manufacture  of  build- 
ers’ hardware,  equipping  it  with  two  cupolas.  In  1884  they  es- 
tablished a tack  works  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street  for 
the  manufacture  of  tacks,  putting  up  thirty-three  machines. 
Their  trade  extends  throughout  the  United  States.  A consid- 
erable part  of  their  production  is  exported  through  commission 
houses  at  New  York.  Investment,  $125,000;  hands  employed, 
125;  annual  product,  $100,000.  In  1895  Cyrus  Rick,  the  senior 
partner,  died  and  his  interest  was  purchased  by  the  surviving 
brothers. 

Reading  Radiator  Co. — In  1883  Daniel  L.  Adams  began  the 
manufacture  of  steam  and  hot  water  radiators  and  boilers  at  212 
South  Eighth  street  and  continued  the  business  at  that  place 
until  1892  when  the  plant  was  removed  to  Front  street  and 
Lebanon  Valley  railroad.  In  1896  a new  company  was  organ- 
ized and  incorporated  under  the  name  of  the  Reading  Radiator 
Co. , which  has  continued  the  business  until  the  present  time. 
The  radiators  and  boilers  of  the  company  are  shipped  to  all  the 
Eastern  States.  Capital,  $25,000;  employees,  25;  annual  pro- 
duct, $36,000.  Officers:  J.  Allison  Orr,  pres.;  Henry  McK. 
Schaeffer,  sec.  and  treas.,  and  Daniel  L.  Adams,  supt. 

Franklin  Iron  Works. — In  1840  Adam  Johnson  began  the 
manufacture  of  iron  castings  at  Eighth  and  Chestnut  streets, 
and  carried  on  the  business  for  nearly  twenty  years.  In  1844  he 
enlarged  the  plant  and  added  a machine  shop  #hen  it  was  called 
Franklin  Iron  Works.  He  made  many  iron  cars  for  the  P.  & R. 
R.  R.  Co.,  producing  500  annually.  By  1851  he  had  increased 
the  product  to  1,200,  and  then  he  added  a department  for  man- 
ufacturing freight  cars  and  he  made  large  numbers  of  them  for 
different  railroad  companies.  From  i860  to  1882  the  business 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


170 

was  carried  on  by  his  son,  Adam  Johnson,  Henry  Shaaber  and 
Daniel  Shaaber,  under  the  name  of  Johnson  & Son,  and  from 
1882  to  1895  by  Henry  Johnson.  In  1885  he  produced  20  tons 
of  castings  daily.  He  employed  70  men,  and  at  times  200.  In 
1895  lacob  Shaaber  and  H.  John  Herb  purchased  the  plant,  and 
they  have  since  carried  on  the  business  under  the  name  of  John- 
son Foundry  and  Machine  Co.  They  manufacture  all  kinds  of 
castings  and  general  machinery  which  they  ship  to  New  York, 
Philadelphia,  and  elsewhere  throughout  the  country.  Hands 
employed  from  100  to  125.  Investment,  $45,000;  annual 
wages,  $35,000. 

Reading  Foundry  Co.  Limited. — In  1848  John  Mellert  and 
his  three  sons,  Arnold,  Magnus  and  Otto,  erected  a stove  foun- 
dry at  Second  and  Grape  streets,  for  the  purpose  of  extending 
their  trade  in  stoves,  tinware  and  kindred  supplies,  which  they 
had  been  carrying  on  for  some  years  prior.  They  soon  obtained 
so  much  other  foundry  work  that  the- manufacture  of  stoves  be- 
came secondary,  and  it  was  abandoned.  In  1851  they  began 
making  cast  iron,  gas  and  water  pipe,  and  as  their  business  in- 
creased they  enlarged  their  works.  In  i860  they  added  a de- 
partment for  building  passenger,  and  coal  cars,  and  also  boilers. 
In  1876  they  erected  a new  pipe  foundry  and  called  it  The  Cen- 
tennial. In  1879  they  re-organized  the  company  calling  it  the 
Mellert  Foundry  and  Machine  Company,  Limited,  and  under 
this  name  it  was  carried  on  until  January  1,  1894,  when  the  per- 
sonal property  was  sold  and  the  works  were  leased  to  the  Read- 
ing Foundry  Co.,  Limited.  This  enterprise  is  largely  engaged 
in  manufacturing  cast  iron  pipe,  special  castings,  and  all  kinds 
of  general  foundry  and  machine  work.  Its  large  plant  is  situ- 
ated in  North  Reading  along  Robeson  and  Weiser  streets.  In- 
vestment, $400,000;  employees,  400;  annual  wages,  $100,000; 
product,  $350,000.  Officers:  P.  D.  Wanner,  chairman;  F.  A. 
Knopp,  treas. ; R.  B.  Kinsey,  sec.,  and  A.  H.  Mellert,  supt. 

Reading  Scale^Cf  Machine  Co. — In  1887  Jacob  S.  Peifer, 
Levi  M.  Francis  and  J.  L.  Balloch  associated  together  under 
the  name  of  Reading  Scale  & Machine  Co.,  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  engines,  boilers,  scales  and  general  machine  work.  They 
have  conducted  the  business  until  now.  Employees,  35;  invest- 
ment, $30,000;  annual  product,  $50,000;  and  wages,  $15,000. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


171 

Their  plant  is  at  Cherry  and  Carpenter  streets.  It  was  first  es- 
tablished in  1845  by  Levi  K.  Mohr  and  Andrew  DeHart  for 
manufacturing  large  scales.  They  carried  on  the  business  until 
1850,  when  Mr.  Mohr  became  sole  owner  and  he  operated  the 
place  himself  until  1872.  He  was  succeeded  by  Roland,  Francis 
& Co.  who  carried  on  the  place  from  1872  to  1878  and  manu- 
factured turbine  water  wheels  in  connection  with  scales;  subse- 
quently by  J.  H.  Cheetham  from  1878  to  1880,  and  by  B.  W. 
Grist  & Co.,  from  1880  to  1887,  the  manufacture  of  general 
machinery  having  been  added  during  that  time. 

Greth  Machine  Works. — In  1866  A.  C.  Greth  and  J.  Len- 
hart  began  making  engines  and  furnishing  machinists’  and  man- 
ufacturers’ supplies  of  all  kinds,  such  as  steam  pumps,  injectors, 
pulleys,  hangers,  cocks,  valves,  packing  and  belting  at  627 
Franklin  street.  In  1870  Mr.  Greth  became  the  sole  proprie- 
tor, and  he  conducted  the  works  until  his  death  in  1885,  when 
J.  P.  Miller  and  H.  E.  Deininger  purchased  the  plant,  who  have 
operated  it  since.  Investment,  $20,000;  hands  employed,  8; 
annual  wages,  $4,500. 

Davies , Printz  & Co. — In  1871  Miller,  Printz  & Co.  began 
an  industrial  establishment  on  Ninth  below  Bingaman,  for  the 
manufacture  of  brass  and  iron  castings  and  machinists’  supplies 
of  all  kinds.  They  carried  on  the  business  until  1886,  when 
the  firm  changed  to  Davies,  Printz  & Co. , which  has  continued 
until  now.  The  members  of  the  firm  are  Samuel  Davies,  John 
Printz,  Adam  Shaaber,  William  Schaffer  and  Howard  Hill. 
The  productions  are  steam  engines,  ice  and  refrigerator  machin- 
ery, polishing  machines,  general  machinery  and  brass  and  iron 
castings.  Investment,  $35,000;  employees  from  50  to  60;  an- 
nual product,  $60,000;  wages,  $25,000. 

Orr  & Sembower. — In  1884  W.  Harry  Orr  and  C.  H.  Sem- 
bower,  trading  as  Orr  & Sembower,  began  the  manufacture  of 
vertical,  horizontal  and  hoisting  engines  and  vertical  and  hori- 
zontal boilers  at  Second  and  Pine  streets.  • They  continued  there 
until  1891,  when  they  removed  to  Millmont,  in  Cumru  township, 
and  took  possession  of  superior  brick  buildings  which  they 
erected  to  accommodate  their  extensive  business.  Their  trade 
extends  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  A corporation  was  formed 
in  1890.  Capital,  $200,000;  employees,  160;  annual  wages, 


172 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


$65,000;  and  product,  $200,000.  Officers:  C.  H.  Sembower, 
pres.;  W.  Harry  Orr,  treas. ; and  James  A.  O’Reilly,  sec. 

Boyer  Cf  Bro. — In  1891  W.  H.  Ermentrout  and  Frederick 
J.  Boyer  associated  together  as  Ermentrout  & Boyer  for  con- 
ducting a general  repair  shop  at  132  Church  street.  Soon  after- 
ward they  began  to  make  new  machinery  for  hats  and  grad- 
ually added  others  for  manufacturing  candy,  paper  boxes,  hard- 
ware, drill  presses,  emery  grinders,  gas  and  gasoline  engines, 
pumps,  etc.,  still  repairing  machinery  of  all  kinds.  In  1897 
Mr.  Ermentrout  was  succeeded  by  William  McH.  Boyer,  the 
firm  then  trading  as  Boyer  & Bro.  Investment,  $S,ooo;  annual 
product,  $20,000,  mostly  for  local  trade;  men  employed,  15; 
wages,  $8,000. 

Berks  Foundry  & Manufacturing  Co.  — In  1893  William 
Macket,  of  Sunbury,  Pa.,  came  to  Reading,  erected  a foundry 
at  1444  Mulberry  street,  and  began  the  manufacture  of  small 
hardware.  He  employed  10  hands  and  had  an  investment  of 
$3,000.  The  business  was  carried  on  by  him  until  1895,  when 
he  sold  the  plant  to  Dr.  John  Ege.  The  establishment  was  en- 
larged in  1897.  Investment,  $19,000;  annual  product,  $30,600; 
which  is  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Reading  Car  Wheel  Co.  — In  1897  H.  H.  Hewitt,  R.  E. 
Coleman,  and  several  other  persons  from  Buffalo,  N.  Y. , came 
to  Reading  and  organized  a company  for  the  manufacture  of 
chilled  iron  wheels  for  street  and  steam  railway  cars,  and  it  was 
incorporated  under  the  name  of  Reading  Car  Wheel  Co.,  with 
a capital  of  $50,000.  They  located  their  plant  on  Canal  street 
below  Spruce,  and  since  then  have  operated  the  same  very  suc- 
cessfully, employing  50  men,  and  producing  daily  225  wheels 
which  weigh  from  350  to  700  pounds  each.  Officers:  H.  H. 
Hewitt,  pres.;  R.  E.  Coleman,  supt. ; C.  H.  Duback,  sec.  and 
treas.  They  are  interested  in  a similar  enterprise  at  Buffalo, 
where  1,000  men  are  employed. 

Reading  Stove  Works. — In  1866  Jesse  Orr,  John  R.  Painter, 
Peter  W.  Nagle,  William  Grander,  Henry  C.  Posey,  Elijah 
Bull,  William  H.  Shick,  Jasper  Sheeler  and  Charles  Egolf,  asso- 
ciated together  under  the  name  of  Orr,  Painter  & Co.,  for  the 
manufacture  of  stoves,  furnaces  and  heaters  of  all  kinds.  They 
located  their  foundry  on  Canal  street  between  Chestnut  and 


THE  READING  STOVE  WORKS— PI. ANTS  AND  OFFICES. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


173 


Spruce,  employed  14  moulders,  and  carried  on  the  business  in 
a very  successful  manner  until  1886,  when  the  company  was  in- 
corporated under  the  name  of  The  Reading  Stove  Works,  Orr, 
Painter  & Co.,  with  a capital  of  $400,000.  The  management 
of  the  business  has  been  kept  up  in  the  same  manner,  with  the 
plant  enlarged  and  its  business  relations  extending.  Now  the 
productions  are  sent  all  over  the  world,  and  the  annual  sales 
amount  to  $550,000.  The  employees  number  500,  and  the 
annual  wages  amount  to  $200,000.  Besides  this  large  and  com- 
plete plant,  an  additional  establishment  is  carried  on  at  Millmont. 
The  company  owns ' and  operates  branches  for  the  distribution 
of  its  productions  at  Philadelphia,  Boston,  Buffalo  and  Chicago. 
The  United  States  Post  Office  Department  in  July,  1897, 
awarded  the  contract  to  the  company  for  supplying  the  street 
letterboxes  for  four  years.  Of  the  original  co-partners,  Jasper 
Sheeler  died  in  1876,  William  Grander  in  1881,  John  R. 
Painter  in  1883,  Henry  C.  Posey  in  1887,  and  Jesse  Orr  in  1892. 
Charles  Egolf  sold  his  interest  in  1869  to  William  M.  Staufer, 
who  continued  with  the  firm  until  1881,  when  he  retired  and 
organized  the  firm  of  Staufer,  McKnight  & Co.,  trading  under 
the  name  of  Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works;  and  besides  Mr.  Staufer, 
nearly  all  the  practical  men  in  that  enterprise  learned  the  busi- 
ness of  manufacturing  and  selling  stoves  in  the  employ  of  Orr, 
Painter  & Co.  Officers:  Charles  S.  Prizer,  pres.;  Elijah  Bull, 
treas. ; Robert  P.  Shick,  sec.;  and  Enoch  T.  Painter,  supt. 

Mt.  Pe7i7i  Stove  Works. — The  plant  of  the  Mt.  Penn  Stove 
Works  occupies  a large  lot  of  ground  at  the  corner  of  Third 
street  and  the  Lebanon  Valley  R.  R. , extending  to  Greenwich 
street.  The  company  was  incorporated  in  1882  by  Samuel  H. 
Kutz,  John  Hahn,  Jacob  H.  Goodman,  John  McKnight,  M.  B. 
McKnight,  Henry  Seivard,  Silas  H.  La  Rue,  Zadok  W.  Bowen, 
and  J.  Allison  Orr,  with  a capital  stock  of  $50,000.  The  build- 
ing at  that  time  consisted  of  a foundry  with  a capacity  for  twenty 
moulders  and  a large  4-story  brick  building  on  North  Third 
street.  These  buildings  were  put  up  by  Staufer,  McKnight  & 
Co.,  in  1881,  and  transferred  to  the  Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works. 
Employees  at  that  time  numbered  65,  including  all  branches. 
The  buildings  were  enlarged  and  increased  in  number  from  time 
to  time.  Employees  now  number  100;  and  the  annual  pay  roll 


T74 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


distributing  agencies  at  New  York  and  Chicago.  Investment, 
$200,000.  Officers:  John  Hahn,  pres.;  M.  B.  McKnight,  sec. 
and  treas. ; J.  Allison  Orr,  gen.  supt. 

Reading  Bolt  and  Nut  Works . — J.  H.  Sternbergh  came 
from  Saratoga,  New  York,  to  Reading  in  1865,  and  began  the 
manufacture  of  iron  nuts.  He  erected  an  establishment  at  the 
foot  of  Pine  street  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  carried  on  busi- 
ness with  ten  men.  During  the  succeeding  three  years,  he 
erected  permanent  buildings  on  North  Third  street  beyond  But- 
tonwood to  meet  the  requirements  of  his  increasing  business, 
and  in  January,  1869,  removed  his  establishment  to  that  place. 
During  the  following  twenty-two  years,  he  increased  his  plant 
largely.  In  1891  the  buildings  were  destroyed  by  fire,  and  he 
immediately  rebuilt  them.  The  plant  now  comprises  forging 
and  threading  departments,  machine  shop,  ware  house,  two  rolling 
mills,  keg  factory,  offices,  stables  and  other  buildings,  covering 
altogether  an  area  of  seven  acres  of  land  which  lies  between 


amounts  to  $6o,oOo.  The  annual  consumption  of  pig  iron  for 
the  last  two  years  was  1,200  tons,  and  the  annual  production  of 
stoves,  ranges  and  cellar  furnaces  was  11,000,  which  were  sold 
principally  in  the  United  States.  For  some  years  past  there 
has  been  an  increasing  export  trade  to  South  America  and  South 
Africa.  The  company  has  a branch  store  at  Philadelphia,  with 


MT.  PENN  STOVE  WORKS. 


READING  BOLT  AND  NUT  WORKS — J.  H.  STERNBKRGH  & SON. 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


*75 


Third  and  Fourth  streets  and  extends  from  Buttonwood  street  to 
the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad.  The  works  are  equipped  with  the 
most  improved  modern  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  all 
kinds  of  bolts,  nuts,  washers,  lag-screws,  Harvey- Grip  railroad 
track  bolts,  boiler  and  structural  rivets,  and  merchant  bar  iron 
and  steel.  The  rolling  mills  are  equipped  with  five  trains  of 
three-high  rolls,  with  six  heating  furnaces,  whose  annual  capac- 
ity is  35,000  tons  of  rolled  iron  and  steel,  embracing  all  sizes  of 
rounds  and  squares.  The  forge  is  equipped  with  power  ham- 
mers, upsetting,  punching,  drilling,  bending  and  forming  ma- 
chines to  manufacture  iron  for  bridges,  buildings,  cars  and  agri- 
cultural implements.  The  products  have  been  awarded  first 
prizes  at  different  exhibitions  for  superior  excellence  of  material 
and  workmanship ; and  they  are  supplied  to  all  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. At  present  the  works  give  steady  employment  to  over 
seven  hundred  and  fifty  men.  The  business  is  carried  on  under 
the  name  of  J.  H.  Sternbergh  & Son. 

National  Bolt  and  Nat  Works. — This  enterprise  was  incor- 
porated in  1890  to  manufacture  bolts,  nuts,  rivets  and  rods  for 
bridges  and  buildings.  The  trade  extends  throughout  the 
United  States  and  to  foreign  countries.  The  plant  is  in  North 
Reading,  and  includes  fifteen  acres  of  land.  Hands  employed, 
300;  capital,  $300,000.  Officers:  C.  W.  Wilhelm,  pres.;  W. 
S.  Davis,  treas. ; H.  J.  Hayden,  manager. 

Auburn  Bolt  & Nut  Works. — In  1887  a bolt  and  hut  works 
was  established  at  Auburn,  Schuylkill  county,  by  an  incorporated 
company  for  the  manufacture  of  car-links,  pins,  boilers,  rivets 
and  bar-iron,  and  operated  by  Daniel  J.  Driscoll,  of  Reading, 
from  that.,  time  until  October,  1896.  He  employed  80  hands, 
and  produced  annually  2,000  tons  which  was  shipped  to  all 
parts  of  the  United  States.  Investment,  $30,000.  Then  a 
company  was  organized,  the  plant  extended,  the  capital  increased 
to  $75,000,  and  the  machinery  changed  for  the  manufacture  of 
hollow  billets.  These  billets  are  converted  into  cold-drawn 
seamless  steel  tubing  for  boilers,  bicycles,  etc.,  and  shipped  to 
all  parts  of  the  world.  Employees,  100.  This  enterprise  must 
be  included  with  the  Reading  industries,  because  it  is  controlled 
by  Reading  parties  and  capital.  Officers:  H.  C.  England, pres. ; 
John  R.  Morrison,  sec’y. ; and  Daniel  J.  Driscoll,  treas.  and 
manager. 


176 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


West  Reading  Boiler  Works. — In  1870  Enos  M.  Reazor  be- 
gan the  manufacture  of  boilers  on  Canal  street  below  Pine,  and 
carried  on  the  business  until  1873,  when  Harry  McCoy  became 
a partner,  and  they  traded  under  the  name  of  Reazor  & McCoy. 
The  establishment  was  then  removed  to  the  foot  of  Chestnut 
street.  They  employed  from  30  to  40  hands,  and  their  annual 
product  amounted  to  $60,000.  The  firm  continued  until  1878, 
when  it  was  re-organized  by  the  withdrawal  of  Mr.  McCoy  and 
the  introduction  of  Wilson  J.  Sterling,  Daniel  Weidner  and. 
Winfield  S.  Reazor  as  partners,  who  traded  under  the  name  of 
Sterling,  Weidner  & Co.  This  firm  existed  for  ten  years,  em- 
ploying the  same  number  of  hands,  and  doing  the  same  volume 
of  business.  Then  Daniel  Weidner,  David  H.  Fox  and  Thomas 
K.  Dalzell  carried  on  the  business  until  1894,  when  Mr.  Dalzell 
became  the  sole  proprietor,  and  he  has  carried  on  the  establish- 
ment until  the  present  time.  Investment,  $30,000;  employees, 
40;  annual  product,  $60,000. 

Penn  Boiler  Works. — In  1883  George  C.  Wilson  and  Hiram 
P.  Yeager  established  the  Penn  Boiler  Works  at  Front  and  Pine 
streets,  for  the  manufacture  of  steam  boilers,  tanks,  oil  stills, 
pipes  for  brass  furnaces,  stacks,  etc.,  and  they  have  carried  on 
the  same  until  now.  They  employ  20  men  and  their  trade  ex- 
tends throughout  the  country.  Investment,  $8,500. 

Carpenter  Steel  Co. — This  company  was  incorporated  in  1889, 
under  the  laws  of  New  Jersey,  for  the  manufacture  of  armor- 
piercing projectiles  at  Reading  chiefly  for  the  United  States  gov- 
ernment, and  the  principal  parties  of  this  great  enterprise  were 
Dr.  John  C.  Barren,  George  B.  Newton,  R.  W.  Hawkesworth, 
H.  M.  Hawkesworth,  and  James  H.  Carpenter.  They  pur- 
chased the  Union  Foundry  property  at  the  foot  of  Exeter 
street  along  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  (which  had  been 
carried  on  at  that  place  from  1872  to  1885),  and  they  then 
built  a superior  establishment  to  answer  the  demands  of 
their  undertaking.  The  company  acquired  in  that  year 
the  American  rights  to  manufacture  shells  after  the  then  most 
approved  European  methods,  and  from  that  time  they  have 
been  experimenting.  The  Carpenter  projectile  now  stands  at  the 
head  of  the  list  for  unsurpassed  record  in  the  penetration  of  the 
finest  nickel-steel  face-hardened  armor  that  has  yet  been  pro- 
duced. In  1890  they  began  supplying  experimental  orders  and 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


177 


since  then  they  have  delivered  to  the  United  States  government 
many  thousands  of  projectiles,  ranging  in  diameter  from  4 inches 
to  13  inches  and  weighing  from  a few  pounds  to  half  a ton. 

Though  the  manufacture  of  shells  has  been  the  most  important 
business,  the  company  has  been  developing  a constantly  increas- 
ing market  for  tool  and  die  steels,  especially  adapted  for  severe 
work  and  great  endurance.  Their  principal  office  is  in  New 
York  city.  They  have  sales  offices  and  ware-houses  in  New 
York  city,  Boston,  Chicago,  Toledo,  and  St.  Louis.  This  great 
establishment  has  contributed  a great  deal  towards  popularizing 
Reading  as  an  industrial  centre  all  over  the  world.  Over  500 
hands  are  employed,  whose  annual  wages  exceed  $200,000. 
Officers:  John  C.  Barren,  pres.;  H.  M.  Hawkesworth,  vice 
pres  ; Lewis  Gregory,  sec.  and  treas. 

Diamond  Steel  Co. — Walter  Steel,  of  Sheffield,  England, 
came  to  Reading  in  1891.  After  having  been  connected  with  the 
Carpenter  Steel  Co.  until  1893,  he  associated  with  Cornelius 
K.  Rothenberger  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  steel,  and 
they  together  erected  a plant  on  Bern  street,  adjoining  the 
Schuylkill  and  Lehigh  R.  R.  They  had  an  investment  ot 
$16,000,  employed  16  hands,  and  produced  crucible  steel  which 
was  shipped  to  the  New  England  states.  Edwin  Sassaman  be- 
coming a partner,  they  then  traded  under  the  name  of  Dia- 
mond Steel  Works;  enlarged  the  plant  to  an  investment  of 
$50,000;  employed  from  40  to  50  hands,  and  carried  on  the  es- 
tablishment until  1895,  when  they  incorported  a company  under 
the  name  of  Diamond  Steel  Co.,  with  a capital  of  $100,000. 
They  doubled  the  capacity  of  the  plant,  employed  120  hands, 
and  their  monthly  sales  amounted  to  $13,000.  They  suspended 
operations  in  1896.  The  plant  is  now  operated  by  the  Carpen- 
ter Steel  Co. 

Schmehl  Mill-  Wright  Shop. — In  1870  Elias  B.  Schmehl  be- 
gan manufacturing  mill  stones  and  flour  mill  machinery.  He 
carried  on  the  business  until  1895,  when  he  transferred  it  to  his 
son  Heber.  The  factory  has  been  at  154  Court  street  since 
1882.  The  mill  stones  have  been  supplied  from  Bowmansville, 
Lancaster  county.  He  employs  from  6 to  9 hands.  His  trade 
is  mostly  local.  Annual  product,  $7,000;  investment,  $5,000. 


i78 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Chantrell  Tool  Co. — This  company  was  organized  in  1888, 
(being  named  after  John  Chantrell,  an  Englishman,  who  de- 
signed certain  improved  tools)  and  the  business  was  conducted 
successfully  on  Seventh  street  near  Chestnut  for  several  years, 
when  the  plant  was  removed  to  Millmont  where  a large  brick 
building  was  erected  to  meet  the  demands  of  increasing  trade. 
The  company  manufactures  bit  braces,  screw  drivers,  bicycle 
chains,  nail  pullers,  and  specialties.  Employees,  200;  capital, 
$100,000.  The  productions  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the 
world.  George  S.  Pomeroy  is  pres.;  Josiah  Dives,  sec.  and 
treas. ; M.  J.  Poindexter,  gen.  manager. 

Wilkinson  Shear  Co. — In  1895  the  Wilkinson  Shear  Co.  was 
incorporated  by  Cyrus  G.  Derr,  John  M.  Archer,  Charles  S. 
Prizer,  J.  H.  Cheetham,  Henry  Eppihimer  and  others,  with  a 
capital  of  $20,000,  for  the  manufacture  of  sheep,  horse,  grass 
and  hedge  shears  and  they  have  continued  the  business  success- 
fully at  Ninth  and  Bingaman  streets  until  now.  They  employ 
from  15  to  20  hands  and  ship  their  products  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States.  Officers:  D.  P Harris,  pres.;  John  M.  Archer, 
treas.;  J.  W.  Wilkinson,  supt. 

Boss  Knitting  Machine  Works. — J.  L.  Eck  began  making 
cotton  hosiery  with  machinery  at  Kutztown  in  1880.  While  so 
engaged  he  added  various  improvements,  the  first  in  1889,  and 
five  afterwards,  for  which  patents  were  issued.  In  1891  he  re- 
moved to  Reading  and  directed  his  attention  to  the  making  of 
knitting  machines.  The  business  was  carried  on  by  Jairus  Kutz 
and  Ellen  Diefenderfer  under  the  name  of  the  Boss  Knitting 
Machine  Works  at  Seventh  and  Walnut  streets  until  1898  when 
they  removed  into  a three-story  brick  factory  at  Elm  and  Reed 
streets.  They  manufacture  “The  new  improved  15-16  Auto- 
matic and  Plain  Seamless”  machines;  employ  35  men,  and  turn 
out  from  15  to  20  machines  a week,  which  are  sent  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States.  Investment,  $10,000. 

Textile  Machine  Works. — In  1892  Ferdinand  Thun  and 
Henry  Janssen  came  from  New  York  to  Reading  and  started  the 
manufacture  of  textile  machinery  at  224  Cedar  street  for  making 
braids  and  dress  trimmings  and  also  electric  wires  and  cables. 
In  1896  they  removed  their  plant  to  a brick  building  at  Wyo- 
missing  along  the  Lebanon  Valley  R.  R.,  which  they  erected  to 


IRON  INDUSTRIES. 


179 


meet  the  increasing  demands  of  their  trade.  They  employ  55 
hands  and  their  production  amounts  to  $50,000  annually  which 
is  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the  country.  Investment,  $35,000; 
annual  wages,  $15,000.  This  is  the  only  firm  in  the  United 
States  that  makes  this  class  of  machinery  a specialty. 

Remppis  Iron  Works. — In  1885  William  F.  Remppis  began 
manufacturing  ornamental  iron  ,work  near  the  Lancaster  Bridge 
on  River  street  in  a small  frame  building,  and  the  business  was 
increased  to  such  an  extent  by  1892,  that  a large  brick  building 
was  erected.  The  plant  burned  down  in  1896,  but  it  was  im- 
mediately rebuilt,  much  enlarged  and  improved.  He  turns  out 
all  kinds  of  builders’,  plain  and  ornamental  iron  work,  fire  es- 
capes, stairs,  elevator  enclosures,  railings,  crestings,  window- 
guards,  grill  work,  etc.  He  employs  from  35  to  50  men.  In- 
vestment, $30,000;  annual  wages,  $20,000.  His  trade  extends 
throughout  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  (See  page  109.) 

Speidel  Iron  Works. — In  1883  David  Greth  started  a ma- 
chine shop  at  Bingaman  and  Orange  streets.  In  1884  he  sold 
the  business  to  Frederick  Gerhart  and  Mahlon  Shaaber,  who 
carried  on  the  same  until  1888.  They  then  transferred  the  plant 
to  J.  G.  Speidel  who  immediately  enlarged  the  place  and  ex- 
tended the  business  to  the  manufacture  of  tramways,  elevators 
and  hoisting  machinery.  He  continued  there  until  1892,  when 
he  removed  to  809  Cherry  street,  to  increase  his  facilities  for 
turning  out  orders.  For  two  years  H.  P.  Roeper  was  a partner. 
In  1896  they  dissolved  and  he  established  a works  at  233  South 
Eighth  street,  which  he  equipped  with  new  machinery  for  making 
the  articles  named  and  also  traveling  cranes  and  fire  escapes. 
He  fills  orders  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States  and  some 
from  foreign  countries.  Investment,  $15,000;  employees,  12  to 
15;  annual  product,  $25,000. 

Reading  Crane  & Hoist  Works. — After  Speidel  & Roeper 
dissolved  partnership  in  1896,  H.  P.  Roeper  remained  at  809 
Cherry  street  for  one  year,  then  transferred  his  establishment 
to  Tenth  and  Bern  streets,  and  took  the  name  given.  He  man- 
ufactures traveling  cranes,  overhead  tramways  and  chain  tack- 
ling blocks,  and  ships  his  productions  to  all  parts  of  the  world. 
Investment,  $16,000;  employees,  20;  wa^es,  $8,000;  product, 
$25,000. 


i8o 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Kiefer  Iron  Works. — In  1895  William  L.  Kiefer  started  man- 
ufacturing ornamental  wrought  iron  work  of  all  kinds,  such  as 
fencing,  railing,  gates,  grates,  guards,  gratings,  fire  escapes  and 
iron  stairs.  His  shop  is  at  Fourth  and  Cherry  streets,  and  he 
employs  from  5 to  10  hands.  His  work  is  forwarded  to  differ- 
ent parts  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 

File  Cutting. — The  first  factory  at  Reading  for  the  manufac- 
ture of  files  and  rasps  of  all  kinds  and  sizes  was  established  by 
Charles  Stephen  and  his  son  Charles  in  1866  at  Eleventh 
and  Buttonwood  streets.  They  carried  on  the  business  until 
1873,  when  the  son  died  and  another  son  Frederick  succeeded 
him.  The  factory  was  conducted  by  them  until  1882,  when  the 
son  retired  and  the  father  operated  it  alone  until  1889.  He  was 
a native  of  Baden,  Germany,  and  came  to  Reading  from  Chi- 
cago in  1866.  The  product  of  the  factory  amounted  to  $10,000 
a year,  and  afforded  in  busy  times  employment  to  10  and  12 
hands.  The  firm  made  all  the  files  used  by  the  P.  & R.  R.  Co., 
sending  to  the  company  a wagon  load  at  a time. 

File-making  was  a very  early  industry  in  Cumruand  Robeson 
townships,  but  no  factory  for  the  production  of  files  was  carried 
on  at  Reading  until  1866. 

Frees  Factory. — John  E.  Frees  removed  from  near  Mohns- 
ville  to  Reading  in  1885,  and  then  began  manufacturing  all 
kinds  of  files  and  rasps.  He  employs  2 hands,  and  his  annual 
production  amounts  to  $1,500.  His  trade  is  mostly  local  for 
supplying  the  shops,  though  he  fills  orders  from  distant 
places  in  Pennsylvania.  His  factory  is  on  Bingaman  street 
above  Eighth.  It  is  the  only  one  of  the  kind  at  Reading. 

Lock-Making. — The  making  of  wrought  iron  door  locks  was 
one  of  the  early  industries  of  Reading.  At  first  they  were 
made  by  blacksmiths,  who  were  expert  workmen  and  capable  ot 
fashioning  iron  into  almost  any  shape,  and  continued  to  be  for 
many  years.  The  most  prominent  and  distinctive  locksmith  at 
Reading  from  1825  to  1873  was  John  Miller,  having  been  en- 
gaged during  that  long  period  at  932  Penn  street.  He  came 
from  Lancaster  where  he  learned  the  trade.  He  was  a superior 
mechanic  and  his  locks  were  in  great  demand.  Before  i860  he 
employed  from  6 to  10  men,  and  when  he  had  manufactured  a 
large  stock  on  hand,  the  men  would  carry  them  in  bags  on  foot 


through  Berks  and  the  surrounding  counties,  and  dispose  of 
them  to  the  store-keepers.  Besides  locks,  he  also  made  strap 
hinges,  turn- buckles,  shutter-bolts,  etc. 

Another  prominent  locksmith  from  1835  to  1850  was  John 
Mellert.  He  emigrated  from  Germany  in  1835  and,  settling  at 
Reading,  he  began  making  locks  and  wrought  iron  work.  He 
supplied  the  locks  for  the  Court  House  at  Sixth  and  Court 
streets. 

The  next  of  prominence  was  Louis  Neudoerffer,  who  began 
in  1859  at  428  Court  street  and  continued  in  the  business  until 
his  death  in  1884,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Frederick. 
In  his  time,  the  cast-iron  door  lock  was  largely  substituted,  and 
on  that  account  his  attention  was  directed  chiefly  to  iron  railings 
and  fencing.  The  son  continued  the  business  at  the  same  place. 
He  is  recognized  as  an  expert  on  safe  locks. 

The  wrought  iron  lock  is  no  longer  made  for  general  use  in 
buildings.  The  hardware  works  have  come  to  displace  the  lock- 
smith entirely. 

Chain- Making . — About  1836  Nicholas  Rapp,  an  experienced 
German  blacksmith,  emigrated  from  Bingen-on-the-Rhine  to 
Reading,  and  began  the  manufacture  of  chains  of  all  kinds  to 
supply  the  trade  at  the  hardware  stores,  and  for  a time  for  the 
Johnson  Car  Works.  He  continued  in  this  branch  of  industry 
for  fifty  years,  and  during  his  time  was  the  only  one  at  Reading. 
He  died  in  1892.  Several  chain-makers  attempted  to  carry  on 
the  business  since  then  but  they  were  obliged  to  suspend  opera- 
tions on  account  of  the  cheaper  price  of  machine-made  chains. 

JEWELRY. 

The  jewelers  at  Reading  always  manufactured  various  articles, 
but  almost  entirely  to  order,  and  they  were  mostly  dealers. 
After  members  of  different  secret  societies  began  to  make  fre- 
quent demands  for  badges,  charms  and  emblems  of  various  de- 
signs, the  business  of  manufacturing  them  was  established. 
Thomas  W.  Sweney  was  the  first  to  engage  in  it  extensively, 
having  started  about  1865  and  continued  until  now. 

Willson  Factory. — Thomas  A.  Willson  opened  a jewelry 
store  at  524  Penn  square  in  1868,  and  in  connection  with  it  car- 
ried on  a department  for  manufacturing  society  marks  and  also 


1 82 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


spectacles.  In  1871  he  erected  a spectacle  factory  and  in  1872 
directed  his  entire  attention  to  it,  transferring  the  jewelry  busi- 
ness to  his  father  Giles  J . Willson  and  an  employee,  G.  A. 
Schlechter,  who  traded  as  Willson  & Schlechter  until  1880. 
Then  Charles  G.  Willson  and  George  W.  Clous  succeeded 
Schlechter  and  the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Willsons  & 
Clous.  In  1887  Charles  G.  Willson  became  the  sole  owner  and 
he  has  carried  on  the  business  successfully  ever  since.  He  em- 
ploys 7 hands  and  manufactures  all  kinds  of  secret  society  marks 
and  charms  as  a specialty,  which  he  sends  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States. 

Schlechter  Factory. — G.  A.  Schlechter  was  engaged  as  a 
jeweler  with  several  parties  from  1870  to  1890;  then,  besides 
carrying  on  a store,  began  to  make  numerous  badges,  charms, 
rings,  etc.,  which  he  forwarded  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States, 
and  he  has  continued  until  now,  employing  generally  6 hands. 
He  has  been  established  at  Sixth  and  Penn  streets  since  1882. 

Anderson  Factory. — In  1886  C.  T.  Anderson  started  making 
sulphur  jewelry,  consisting  of  rings,  pins,  badges  and  charms, 
and  he  has  conducted  the  business  quite  extensively,  employing 
6 hands  and  shipping  his  goods  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 

There  are  altogether  twenty-five  jewelers  at  Reading,  but 
they  are  mostly  dealers  or  manufacture  goods  to  order  for  local 
trade.  The  factories  mentioned  are  most  extensively  engaged 
in  the  business. 

LAUNDRIES. 

General  laundry  work  was  begun  at  Reading  in  1875  by 
Charles  Ruth.  He  was  engaged  ill  the  business  for  a short 
time  when  Soloman  Hirshland  and  H.  W.  Adams  became  his 
successors.  Hop  Lee,  a Chinaman,  started  about  1880.  Joseph 
W.  Auchenbach  began  the  first  steam  laundry  in  1879  on  Sev- 
enth street  near  Cherry,  and  carried  it  on  several  years. 

Excelsior  Laundry. — In  1884  Charles  E.  and  Morgan  O. 
Witman,  brothers,  established  the  first  extensive  steam  laundry 
at  139  Pearl  street.  Their  business  grew  so  rapidly  that  in  sev- 
eral years  they  removed  to  Sixth  and  Franklin  streets  where 
they  fitted  up  a large  establishment.  They  located  sixty  offices 
for  the  collection  and  distribution  of  articles  in  Reading  and 
elsewhere.  It  was  named  the  Excelsior  Laundry.  In  1892 


LAUNDRIES. 


I83. 


Raphael  Austrian  became  the  purchaser  and  he  operated  it 
until  his  decease  in  1897  with  Samuel  E.  Willits  as  a partner  for 
several  years.  He  was  succeeded  by  Samuel  Tinkler,  who  em- 
ploys 25  hands  and  has  fifty  offices,  mostly  at  Reading. 

Penn  Troy  Laundry. — William  Y.  and  Frederick  A. 
Schmucker  established  the  Penn  Troy  laundry  at  the  southeast 
corner  of  Washington  and  Ash  street  in  1892.  It  is  the  largest 
laundry  at  Reading.  The  building  is  equipped  with  the  most 
improved  machinery,  including  a large  ironing  machine  that 
weighs  nine  tons.  A specialty  is  made  of  hotel  and  flat  work. 
They  employ  from  50  to  75  persons,  and  have  seventy-five 
agencies  distributed  throughout  the  city. 

Reading  Laundry  was  started  by  Annette  Tounelier  in  1880 
with  7 hands.  She  conducted  it  until  1883  when  she  married 
Lewis  C.  Stringer,  by  whom  it  has  been  operated  since.  In 
1895  it  was  removed  to  527  Penn  square.  He  employs  26 
hands;  also  3 teams  for  delivering  articles  in  all  parts  of  Read- 
ing. Considerable  orders  are  shipped  to  different  parts  of  Berks 
county. 

City  Laundry  was  started  in  1893  by  Wesley  K.  Loose  at 
Seventh  and  Court  streets.  He  employs  10  hands  and  1 team 
for  delivering  articles  in  all  parts  of  Reading.  He  executes 
large  orders  of  new  work  for  shirt  manufacturers. 

Snow  Flake  Laundry. — John  W.  H.  Harpst  started  the 
“snow  flake”  laundry  at  308  North  Ninth  street  in  1896.  Em- 
ploys 8 hands  and  2 teams  for  custom  work  at  Reading. 

Model  Laundry. — In  April,  1897,  Frank  C.  Stringer  started 
the  model  laundry  at  220  Washington  street,  and  in  April, 
1898,  removed  to  144  Rose  street.  He  employs  12  hands 
and  2 delivery  teamsTbr  trade  at  Reading. 

There  are  altogether  fifteen  establishments.  Six  of  them  are 
carried  on  by  Chinamen. 

LEATHER. 

Kerper  Tannery. — In  1763  Daniel  Levan  established  on  Sixth 
street  near  Chestnut,  one  of  the  largest  tanneries  then  in  Penn- 
sylvania. It  had  fifty  vats.  During  the  Revolutionary  war  the 
establishment  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  industries  at 
Reading.  It  was  carried  on  by  him  until  1801,  and  afterward 
by  his  sons  Isaac  and  Daniel  until  1808,  when  John  Dieffen- 


1 84 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


bach  became  the  owner,  who  operated  it  until  1825.  The  suc- 
ceeding owners  were  Abraham  Kerper  from  1825  to  1857,  and 
his  son  Henry  from  1857  to  1885,  when  it  was  discontinued. 

Fichthorn  Tannery. — Charles  Fichthorn  erected  a two-story 
brick  tannery  on  Chestnut  street  above  Second  about  1847,  and 
with  his  brother  William  carried  on  the  business  until  his  death 
in  1853.  They  employed  12  hands  and  their  annual  business 
amounted  to  $50,000.  Then  William  Fichthorn,  Andrew  Fich- 
thorn, Adam  Fasig  and  Joseph  Henry  formed  a co-partnership, 
trading  as  Fichthorn,  Fasig  & Co.,  and  they  became  the  owners 
and  operated  the  plant  until  1861.  Andrew  Fichthorn  and  his 
nephew  Andrew  purchased  the  tannery  in  that  year  and  con- 
ducted the  business  successfully  for  seven  years.  Henry  Kerper 
then  purchased  the  property  and  carried  on  the  business  until 
1886,  when  Oscar  H.  Haubner  and  William  J.  Heller,  trading 
as  Haubner  & Heller,  leased  the  plant  and  they  have  operated  it 
since.  They  also  carried  on  a plant  at  River  and  Hockley 
streets  from  1891  to  1898.  They  employ  20  hands,  and  manu- 
facture annually  35,000  oak-tanned  calf  skins,  worth  $90,000, 
which  are  sold  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  but  mostly  at  New 
York. 

Winter  & Goetz  Tannery. — In  1869  Anthony  Blatz  and 
Ferdinand  Winter  began  the  manufacture  of  calf  and  kid  skins 
in  fancy  colors  for  gloves,  shoes,  suspenders,  and  actors’  wear  in 
a -small  factory  at  the  foot  of  Jefferson  street  adjoining  the 
Schuylkill  canal,  and  they  carried  on  the  business  under  the 
name  of  Blatz  & Winter  until  1875.  They  employed  from  6 
to  8 hands  and  their  product  was  shipped  to  New  York  and 
Boston.  Then  Mr.  Blatz  retired  and  Ferdinand  Goetz  took  his 
place,  the  firm  name  becoming  Winter  & Goetz.  The  business 
was  gradually  increased  until  the  construction  of  the  Schuylkill 
Valley  R.  R.  in  1883  caused  the  plant  to  be  removed,  and  the 
firm  then  purchased  the  planing  mill  property  at  the  foot  of 
Pine  street  adjoining  the  canal.  They  made  the  necessary 
alterations  and  built  a large  addition.  In  1885  they  employed 
44  hands  and  had  invested  $60,000;  now  they  employ  from  70 
to  100  hands  and  have  a much  larger  investment.  They  estab- 
lished a store  at  New  York  in  1885  for  the  sale  of  their  skins, 
which  are  shipped  from  there  to  all  parts  of  the  world.  The 


MALT. 


185 

hides  are  purchased  from  importers  who  procure  them  from 
Arabia,  Africa  and  Brazil.  The  firm  also  obtain  large  quantities 
of  sheep  and  calf  skins  from  the  surrounding  counties. 

Tiehel  Tannery. — In  1892  Franz  Tiehel  and  his  son  Charles 
began  a tannery  at  36  Hamilton  street  for  kid  leather.  They 
obtain  the  sheep  and  calf  hides  from  the  vicinity  of  Reading 
and  produce  weekly  75  dozen  of  fine  skins  which  are  sold  at 
their  store  in  New  York  city.  Investment,  $12,000;  employees, 
10;  annual  wages,  $5,000;  and  product,  $55,000. 

Other  tanneries  worthy  of  mention,  operated  for  many  years, 
but  discontinued,  were  Manderbach’s,  (Second  and  Chestnut 
streets);  Winter’s,  (opposite  corner);  Connard’s,  (Franklin 
street  and  Perkiomen  avenue);  and  DeLong’s,  (Ninth  and 
Muhlenberg  streets.) 

MALT. 

In  1863  Frederick  Schuldt  and  Moses  K.  Graeff  began  the 
business  of  making  malt  in  large  quantities,  establishing  a large 
malt-house  along  the  P.  & R.  railroad  below  Muhlenberg  street. 
They  traded  under  the  name  of  Schuldt  & Graeff  until  1867, 
when  Mr.  Schuldt  retired,  and  Mr.  Graeff  carried  on  the  busi- 
ness until  1895,  when  he  discontinued  it.  The  annual  product 
amounted  to  $75,000,  which  was  shipped  mostly  to  Philadel- 
phia, Newark  and  Elizabeth.  Mr.  Schuldt  started  another 
plant  in  1876  on  Orange  street  near  Chestnut  and  made  malt 
there  for  six  years. 

Walton  K.  Hagy  and  Benjamin  Pott  carried  on  a malt-house 
on  Third  street  near  Elm  from  1882  to  1891,  when  the  Reading 
Malt  Co.,  limited,  was  organized  by  Mr.  Hagy  and  Frank  P. 
Lauer.  They  employ  6 hands  and  produce  annually  from 
60,000  to  80,000  bushels  which  are  sold  to  brewers  in  different 
parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey. 

P.  Barbey  & Son  began  manufacturing  malt  in  their  brewing 
establishment  for  their  own  consumption  in  1885,  and  they  have 
continued  until  now,  employing  during  the  winter  season  9 
hands. 

Most  of  the  malt  used  here  is  manufactured  elsewhere,  the 
brewers  requiring  large  quantities  as  evidenced  by  the  great 
production  of  malt  liquors. 


186 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


MARBLE,  SAND-STONE  AND  GRANITE  WORKS. 

Moers  Marble  Yard. — J.  Frederick  Moers  started  a marble 
yard  at  214  Penn  street  in  1790,  and  carried  on  the  business  of 
manufacturing  grave-markers,  headstones  and  general  cemetery 
work  until  his  decease  in  1816.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son 
John  F.  Moers,  and  the  business  was  carried  on  by  him  until 
his  death  in  1861,  when  the  present  proprietor,  J.  Frederick 
Moers,  a grand-son,  became  the  owner.  This  is  the  oldest 
marble  yard  at  Reading,  having  been  at  the  same  location  for 
more  than  100  years. 

There  are  eight  marble  yards  at  Reading  for  supplying  grave- 
markers,  monuments,  &c. 

Eben  Sand-stone  Works. — About  1850  Ferdinand  Behm 
started  a sand-stone  yard  for  cutting  all  kinds  of  building  stones 
at  Sixth  and  Spruce  streets.  He  was  succeeded  by  John  Dinkel 
who  carried  on  the  place  until  1870,  when  Christian  Eben  be- 
came the  purchaser,  and  he  located  there,  after  having  con- 
ducted a similar  yard  on  Sixth  street  above  Chestnut  since  1854. 
He  continued  operations  quite  extensively  until  his  decease  in 
1890,  when  his  sons  Frank  W.  and  William  succeeded  him. 
They  traded  as  F.  W.  Eben  & Bro.  and  carried  oh  the  works 
successfully  until  April  1,  1898,  when  they  removed  to  Second 
and  Franklin  streets.  They  have  employed  fron?  40  to  80 
hands,  and  their  annual  operations  amounted  to  $25,000  and 
upwards. 

Getz  Marble  Works. — In  1873  Hiram  S.  Getz  and  his  son 
James  K.  began  sawing  marble  at  Spruce  and  Canal  streets, 
carrying  on  the  business  under  the  name  of  H.  K.  Getz  & Son. 
They  employed  7 hands  and  the  annual  business  amounted  to 
$35,000;  their  trade  having  then  been  confined  to  Pennsylvania. 
In  1881  they  removed  to  the  foot  of  Second  street,  on  Canal, 
enlarging  the  plant  and  introducing  new  machinery.  In  1886 
Hiram  S.  Getz  died,  and  his  son  Hiram  K.  was  substituted  in 
his  stead,  the  firm  then  trading  as  H.  S.  Getz’s  Sons.  Their 
works  are  equipped  with  the  most  improved  machinery.  Em- 
ployees, 20;  annual  business,  $125,000.  The  trade  now  ex- 
tends throughout  the  Middle  States.  The  greater  proportion  of 
the  marble  sawed  by  them  is  imported  from  Carrara,  Italy,  and 
the  balance  is  obtained  from  this  country. 


MATTRESSES. 


187 


Eisenbrown  Granite  Works.— In  1875  P.  F.  Eisenbrown 
located  at  Reading  and  started  a marble  and  granite  works  at 
Sixth  and  Elm  streets.  After  carrying  on  the  business  until 
1889  he  formed  a partnership  with  his  sons  Harry  W.,  Charles 
S.,  and  George  F.,  and  also  J.  B.  Faust,  who  have  traded  since 
then  under  the  name  of  P.  F.  Eisenbrown,  Sons  & Co.  Many 
fine  monuments  are  made  out  of  granite  and  marble,  and  gran- 
ite fronts  for  large  structures  are  erected  in  all  parts  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. Investment,  $50,000;  employees,  35. 

Reading  Grajiite  Works. — John  P.  Dauth  and  G.  A.  Deemef 
opened  a granite  quarry  in  Cumru  township  in  1895  for  the 
manufacture  of  paving  blocks,  curbing  and  building  stones. 
Investment,  $4,000;  employees,  20.  Their  product  amounts  to 
$12,000,  which  is  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  country. 

Miller  Stone  Works. — In  1892  August  Haisch  and  Daniel 
Miller  started  an  establishment  at  Washington  and  Pear  streets 
for  turning  out  building  stone  work  with  steam  power,  employ- 
ing six  hands.  Haisch  died  in  1896  and  Miller  became  the 
owner.  He  employs  12  hands. 

MATTRESSES. 

All  the  furniture  dealers  make  mattresses  and  couches,  and 
carry  on  upholstering  in  connection  with  their  business,  having 
always  done  so,  but  they  do  not  employ  men  for  mattresses 
alone.  There  is  one  factory  at  Reading  for  this  product. 

Hodges  Factory . — In  1896  Fred  G.  Hodges  came  from  Wil- 
mington, Del.,  and  located  in  Reading  for  the  purpose  of  carry- 
ing on  the  manufacture  of  mattresses,  in  connection  with  a 
similar  factory  at  Wilmington.  He  employs  from  4 to  8 hands 
and  produces  about  5,000  mattresses  annually,  which  are  shipped 
to  different  parts  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 

METALLIC  CORNICES. 

Hain  Works. — In  1872  A.  J.  Geissinger  and  Wm.  T.  Hain 
began  manufacturing  metallic  cornice  and  ornamental  work  for 
churches,  public  buildings  and  dwellings  at  827  Penn  street. 
This  consisted  of  copper  and  galvanized  iron  fronts,  cornices, 
ceilings,  finials,  weather  vanes,  ventilators,  &c.  In  1873  Mr. 
Hain  became  sole  owner,  since  which  time  he  has  conducted  the 
place.  His  work  is  delivered  to  all  parts  of  Pennsylvania. 
Employees,  8;  wages,  $5,000;  product,  $20,000. 


i88 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Yeager  Works. — In  1886  William  B.  Yeager  and  E.  L.  Gar- 
verich  established  a general  cornice  works  at  Eighth  and  Chest- 
nut streets  for  manufacturing  all  kinds  of  ornamental  and  archi- 
tectural metal  work  for  dwellings,  stores  and  public  buildings. 
In  1891  Mr.  Yeager  became  the  sole  proprietor.  He  fills 
orders  from  different  parts  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania.  Employ- 
ees, from  5 to  10;  wages,  $3,000;  investment,  $3,000;  product, 
$8,000. 

Hafer  Works. — In  1893  James  D.  Hafer  began  making  all 
kinds  of  architectural  metal  work.  His  place  is  at  1046  North 
Eighth  street.  Employees,  7;  wages,  $2,500;  product,  $10,000, 
which  is  sent  to  different  parts  of  Eastern  Pennsylvania. 


OIL. 

Atlantic  Refining  Co. — In  1881  William  S.  Miller  and  Sam- 
uel R.  Kerper,  trading  as  the  Reading  Oil  Co.,  carried  on  the 
business  of  refining  oil  at  Reading  until  1885,  when  they  trans- 
ferred the  same  to  the  Acme  Oil  Co.  In  1892  the  Atlantic  Re- 
fining Co.  became  the  owner  and  this  company  has  carried  it  on 
until  the  present  time.  Reading  is  the  central  station  for  this 
company,  which  has  thirty-three  sub-stations  in  Eastern  Penn- 
sylvania, Western  New  Jersey  and  Northern  Maryland.  Em- 
ployees, 28;  production,  all  the  different  grades  of  naphtha 
gasolines,  refined  oils,  lubricating  oils  and  greases,  paraffine 
wax  and  candles.  There  is  a large  storage  capacity  at  each  of 
the  sub-stations,  but  Reading  is  the  general  office  to  which  re- 
ports are  made  daily.  Henry  S.  Comstock  has  been  the  man- 
ager since  1888.  Officers:  James  McGee,  pres.;  C.  E.  Bush- 
nell,  sec.  and  treas. 


OPTICAL  INSTRUMENTS. 

Reid  Works. — Philip  S.  Reid  and  J.  Ernest  Reid,  after  hav- 
ing been  employed  for  some  years  at  Philadelphia  as  opticians, 
located  at  Reading,  and  organized  the  Standard  Optical  Co.  in 
1892  for  the  manufacture  of  opthalmascopes,  trial  frames,  peri- 
meters, pupilometers,  retinoscopes,  etc.  at  132  Church  street, 
and  they  have  continued  the  business  successfully  until  the 
present  time.  They  started  with  3 hands,  now  employ  13. 
Their  productions  are  disposed  of  in  all  the  large  cities  of  the 
United  States,  being  used  principally  by  the  students  in  the 


ORGANS  AND  PIANOS. 


189 


different  medical  colleges.  Their  place  is  equipped  with 
superior  machinery,  equal  to  that  for  the  manufacture  of  the 
finest  watches. 

ORGANS  AND  PIANOS. 

Bolder  Factory. — Daniel  Bolder  was  engaged  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  organs  at  Reading  from  1820  for  over  30  years,  and  his 
son  Samuel  afterward  for  fifty  years.  Both  supplied  organs  for 
churches  in  the  country  districts  in  Berks  and  the  surrounding 
counties,  which  were  reputed  to  be  superior  in  character.  The 
latter  died  in  1896,  his  last  factory  having  been  on  Bingaman 
street  near  Tenth.  He  was  succeeded  by  Gideon  S.  Jefferies, 
January,  1896,  who  continued  the  factory  until  June,  1897. 
He  employed  from  8 to  12  hands  and  made  15  pipe  organs  a 
year. 

Schoener  Factory. — John  B.  Schoener  carried  on  the  piano- 
forte business  at  Reading  from  1838  to  1870,  and  lived  in  retire- 
ment afterward,  until  January,  1898,  when  he  died.  He  had 
worked  at  cabinet-making  for  12  years,  having  learned  his  trade 
under  William  Weimer.  His  pianos  were  sold  to  different  parts 
of  Pennsylvania,  but  mostly  in  Philadelphia  to  dealers.  They 
were  square  and  all  hand-made.  He  employed  from  5 to  9 
hands  and  made  15  pianos  a year.  Selling  pianos  on  the  in- 
stallment plan  by  large  dealers  obliged  him  to  discontinue.  It 
is  reported  that  a party  at  Reading  preferred  to  buy  an  instru- 
ment of  this  nature  at  Philadelphia.  Some  time  afterward  it 
required  repairs,  and  the  owner  was  obliged  to  call  on  Mr. 
Schoener  to  remedy  the  difficulty.  The  maker  (Mr.  Schoener) 
recognized  his  handiwork,  but  the  owner  denied  it,  saying  the 
instrument  was  made  at  Philadelphia,  whereupon  the  lid  was 
raised  and  Mr.  Schoener  pointed  out  his  name  in  plain  letters. 

PAINT. 

Wilhelm  Works. — Aaron  Wilhelm  began  the  manufacture  of 
paint  at  Easton,  Pa.,  in  1857,  and  continued  the  business  there 
until  1871,  when  he  removed  to  Reading.  His  brother  William  H. 
was  then  associated  with  him  under  the  name  of  A.  Wilhelm  & 
Bro. , and  they  continued  the  business  until  1878,  when  William 
H.  retired  and  Walter  S.  Davis  was  admitted  in  his  stead. 
From  that  time  the  firm  traded  as  A.  Wilhelm  & Co.  In  1889 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


igO 

Aaron  Wilhelm  died  and  a company  was  incorporated  under  the 
name  of  “The  A.  Wilhelm  Co.”  of  which  Charles  W.  Wilhelm 
became  president  and  Walter  S.  Davis,  sec.  and  treas. , they 
serving  these  positions  until  the  present  time.  They  manufac- 
ture paints  of  every  description  which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of 
the  country  through  distributing  houses  at  Boston,  Baltimore, 
Buffalo  and  Pittsburg.  The  establishment  is  situated  on  Poplar 
street  beyond  Walnut  and  comprises  the  largest  paint  enterprise 
in  Pennsylvania  outside  of  Philadelphia. 

Riith  Works. — B.  Frank  Ruth  was  employed  in  the  Wilhelm 
works  from  1873  to  1884,  when  he  organized  a company  for  the 
manufacture  of  paints  of  all  kinds,  fillers  for  wood  and  iron, 
varnishes,  japans,  putty,  &c.,  consisting  of  himself,  C.  Edward 
Hecht  and  Edward  Scull.  They  traded  as  B.  F.  Ruth  & Co. 
and  established  a mill  at  229  South  Eighth  street.  They  car- 
ried on  the  business  until  1894,  when  the  mill  was  removed  to 
210  South  Eighth  street,  where  larger  facilities  were  provided 
and  Mr.  Ruth  became  the  sole  owner.  His  productions  are  for- 
warded to  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  Employees,  10;  in- 
vestment, $30,000. 

N 

Jackson  & Hill  Works. — In  1896  Henry  H.  Jackson  and 
Jenkin  Hill  formed  a co-partnership,  trading  as  Jackson  & Hill, 
for  making  paints,  etc.  They  purchased  the  establishment  of 
Morgan-Ruth-Mohr  Paint  Co.,  which  had  been  carried  on  at 
Eleventh  and  Muhlenberg  streets  since  1890,  and  removed  it  to 
810  Windsor  street  where  they  erected  a large  three-story  brick 
building  and  equipped  it  with  improved  machinery.  They  em- 
ploy 1 1 men,  and  manufacture  paints  of  all  shades,  putty,  oils, 
varnishes  and  japans.  Their  trade  is  mostly  of  a local  character. 

Morgan  Works. — In  1887  F.  H.  Morgan,  after  being  in  the 
employ  of  the  Wilhelm  works  for  some  years,  began  the  manu- 
facture of  paints  in  a limited  way  in  connection  with  James  Ruth 
on  Court  street  above  Second,  and  in  1890  William  G.  Moore 
became  associated  with  them.  They  located  the  works'  at 
Eleventh  and  Muhlenberg  streets  and  carried  on  the  same  ex- 
tensively. In  1896  H.  H.  Jackson  and  Jenkin  Hill  became  the 
purchasers,  when  Mr.  Morgan  established  a place  for  himself  at 
122  Wood  street. 


PAPER. 


igi 


PAPER. 

The  Reading  Paper  Mills  is  a corporation  organized  in  1886 
with  a capital  of  $300,000,  for  the  purpose  of  operating  three 
superior  mills  in  the  manufacture  of  fine  book  and  plate  paper. 
The  following  sketch  embraces  the  important  facts  of  the  three 
establishments. 

Penn  Street  Mill. — In  1841  Philip  Bushong,  a prominent  and 
successful  distiller,  moved  from  Reamstown  to  Reading,  pur- 
chased a large  brick  building  at  the  foot  of  Court  street  on  the 
west  side  of  Front  (which  had  been  occupied  for  several  years 
previously  as  a machine  shop)  and  converted  it  into  a distillery. 
He  carried  on  the  business  of  distilling  whisky  there  until  1865, 
when  he  substituted  the  manufacture  of  paper,  equipping  the 
building  with  the  necessary  machinery  for  that  purpose.  He 
died  in  1868.  The  mill  was  then  carried  on  for  several  years  by 
his  son  George  and  his  son-in-law  Alexander  Jacobs  for  the 
estate,  and  afterwards  by  his  sons  Jacob  and  Henry  until 
1887,  when  it  was  sold  to  the  corporation  named. 

Packerack  Mill. — In  1838  Asa  Packer  and  Robert  W. 
Packer  purchased  a large  lot  of  ground  at  the  foot  of  Bingaman 
street  adjoining  the  Schuylkill  canal  from  Daniel  Seiders,  a boat 
builder,  and  erected  thereon  a large  warehouse  for  storing  mer- 
chandise in  connection  with  operating  boats  on  the  canal.  In 
1853  the  premises  were  sold  to  George  R.  Frill,  who  then  con- 
verted the  building  into  a large  grist  mill,  and  he  and  Solomon 
Brubaker  carried  on  the  milling  business  until  1872,  when  it  was 
sold  to  Jacob  Bushong,  Henry  Bushong  and  George  B.  Con- 
nard,  and  changed  into  a paper  mill.  This  mill  was  then  oper- 
ated by  Mr.  Connard  for  some  years,  and  afterwards  by  him, 
Christopher  Loeser  and  James  Symington,  trading  as  the  Read- 
ing Paper  Co.  until  1882,  when  George  F.  Baer  became  the 
owner;  and  after  the  organization  of  the  Reading  Paper  Mills, 
it  was  conveyed  to  the  corporation.  The  building  was  enlarged 
and  improved,  and  subsequently  an  addition  was  built  to  it  to 
supply  a department  for  coating  paper. 

Tulpehocken  Mill. — Samuel  Bell  owned  and  operated  a grist 
mill  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tulpehocken  creek,  in  Bern  township, 
for  a number  of  years,  and  subsequently  until  1866  it  was  known 
as  the  Kissinger  mill.  Then  Benjamin  F.  Schwartz  and 


92 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


William  H.  Schwartz  became  the  owners.  They  converted  it 
into  a paper  mill,  and  carried  on  the  manufacture  of  paper  for 
two  years.  George  W.  Bushong  then  purchased  the  mill  and 
operated  it  successfully  until  1876,  producing  a superior  grade 
of  paper  which  had  a wide  reputation  and  came  to  be  known  in 
the  market  as  the  “Bushong  Paper.”  The  mill  was  afterwards 
operated  by  different  parties  until  1882,  when  George  F.  Baer 
became  the  owner,  and  in  1887  he  conveyed  it  with  the  two 
mills  mentioned  to  the  Reading  Paper  Mills. 

The  three  mills  have  been  operated  by  the  corporation  named 
very  successfully  for  the  past  10  years;  the  Penn  Street  Mill 
producing  fine  book  and  plate  papers;  the  Packerack  Mill,  book 
and  coated  papers;  and  the  Tulpehoeken  Mill,  manilla  paper 
exclusively.  The  product  of  the  first  two  mills  has  been  dis- 
posed of  principally  to  publishers  and  lithographers  in  the 
United  States  for  fine  book  work;  and  of  the  last  in  the  United 
States  and  England  for  making  sand  paper.  All  of  them  have 
been  running  night  and  day  and  have  given  steady  employment 
to  150  persons.  Officers:  George  F.  Baer,  pres.;  Thomas  O. 
Yarrington,  Jr.,  sec.;  and  Chester  A.  Bushong,  treas. 

PAPER  RAGS. 

Hercules  Factory. — In  1891  the  Hercules  Paper  Bag  Co.  was 
organized  by  C.  K.  Hillegass,  H.  H.  Hillegass,  O.  W.  Sabold 
and  J.  W.  Covert  for  the  manufacture  of  paper  bags.  They 
located  at  Canal  and  Chestnut  streets,  beginning  with  seven 
hands  and  two  machines,  and  a daily  capacity  of  250,000  bags. 
The  business  improving,  they  built  several  extensions  to  the 
factory  and  added  five  more  machines,  increasing  the  daily 
capacity  of  the  plant  to  1,000,000  bags.  They  manufacture 
eight  different  kinds  for  groceries,  confectionery,  shirts,  shirt- 
waists, cigars  and  tobacco.  The  product  is  shipped  mostly  to 
all  parts  of  the  United  States;  some  is  exported  to  foreign 
countries.  The  quantity  of  paper  consumed  daily  is  5 tons; 
employees,  25;  annual  wages,  $15,000;  business,  $110,000. 

Miller  Factory. — William  K.  Miller  began  making  flour  sacks 
in  1880.  He  has  continued  in  this  business  until  now,  making 
exclusively  flour  sacks  out  of  rope  stock.  The  annual  pro- 
duction is  400,000,  including  all  sizes.  He  has  been  in  the 
Yocom  building  since  its  erection  in  1893.  Employees,  3. 


PHOTOGRAPHS. 


193 


PATTERNS. 

Madlem  Shop. — The  making  of  patterns  at  Reading  has  been 
carried  on  almost  entirely  in  connection  with  foundries.  No 
pattern-maker  established  a shop  especially  as  a business  and 
carried  it  on  for  any  time  until  Daniel  Madlem  started  one  in 
1889.  He  has  been  occupied  at  making  patterns  since  1865, 
and  at  Reading  since  1874.  He  makes  patterns  of  all  kinds 
and  employs  from  1 to  3 hands.  His  place  is  at  46  Madison 
avenue,  having  been  there  since  1889. 

PERFUMERY. 

Perfumeries  of  various  kinds  have  been  made  for  some  years 
in  large  quantities  by  John  B.  Raser  and  Albert  R.  Durham, 
druggists,  in  connection  with  operating  drug  stores,  which  they 
have  shipped  to  different  parts  of  the  country,  but  there  is  only 
one  distinctive  manufacturer  of  perfumery  at  Reading. 

Gustave  Poujol  emigrated  from  Paris  in  1868,  and  after  re- 
maining at  New  York  several  years  settled  at  Reading.  He  has 
been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  perfumeries  here  since  then 
selling  his  production  through  interior  Pennsylvania. 

PHOTOGRAPHS. 

The  first  likenesses  of  persons  by  a mechanical  process  in  the 
history  of  Reading  were  taken  in  1841  by  John  H.  Scott,  of 
Philadelphia,  after  he  had  located  here.  They  were  daguerreo- 
type in  style.  To  obtain  a correct  likeness,  the  person  was 
obliged  to  sit  forty  seconds.  The  cost  of  a copy  was  $3.50. 
An  artist  named  Salini  succeeded  Scott  in  taking  this  style,  and 
he  continued  until  about  1846.  Charles  L.  Phillippi  succeeded 
Salini.  He  made  the  first  likenesses  here  by  the  photographic 
process  in  1846,  and  continued  in  business  until  1865,  when  he 
removed  to  Philadelphia. 

Howard  & Maurer  located  in  the  Jameson  building  at  Sixth 
and  Penn  streets  about  1852,  and  they  carried  on  the  business 
in  the  second  and  third  stories  for  many  years. 

The  most  prominent  photographers  at  Reading  before  1870 
were  the  parties  named,  and  George  W.  Patton,  John  Lee, 
William  K.  Leaman,  William  H.  Dietrich  and  Thomas  Taylor; 
and  those  afterward  who  have  been  in  the  business  for  many 


i94 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


years  are  Charles  A.  Saylor,  Frederick  Yeager,  Edward  E. 
Hafer,  John  D.  Strunk,  John  S.  Fritz  and  William  I.  Goldman. 
Mr.  Hafer  took  the  photographs  from  which  the  illustrations  in 
this  compilation  were  produced. 

PAINTINGS. 

Certain  artists  painted  portraits  and  scenic  pictures  at  Read- 
ing between  1820  and  1870,  and  gained  through  their  superior 
productions  a high  reputation.  Their  names  were  Genorino 
Persico,  Jacob  B.  Schoener,  James  A.  Benade,  H.  D.  Torrey, 
F.  D.  Devlan,  and  Mrs.  C.  H.  Townsend.  Schoener  was 
recognized  as  the  finest  miniature  artist  in  the  United  States. 
He  removed  to  Boston  and  died  there. 

The  names  of  those  afterward  until  now,  who  have  distin- 
guished themselves,  arej.  Heyl  Raser,  Amos  Gable,  Frederick 
Spang,  Ben  Austrian  and  Christopher  Shearer,  the  last  particu- 
larly having  developed  a national  fame. 

PICTURE  FRAMES  AND  GILDING. 

Woerner  Factory. — Godfrey  Graeff,  a German,  came  to  Read- 
ing in  1858,  and  carried  on  the  business  of  gilding  and  manu- 
facturing picture  frames  of  all  kinds.  He  continued  until  1871. 
His  place  was  at  635  Penn  street.  He  was  succeeded  by  Fran- 
cis Woerner,  who  has  conducted  the  business  until  now.  In- 
vestment, $6,000;  employees,  3.  Trade  local. 

Rieger  Factory. — Rein-hard  Rieger  was  employed  with  Mr. 
Woerner  from  1874  to  1879,  when  he  engaged  in  the  business 
for  himself.  Investment,  $8,000;  employees,  3.  Trade  local. 

PLANING  MILLS. 

The  first  planing  mill  for  supplying  building  materials,  such 
as  doors,  window  frames,  sashes  and  shutters,  etc.,  was  estab- 
lished about  1835  by  Jacques  V.  Craig  at  Second  and  Cherry 
streets;  and  shortly  afterward  Levi  J.  Smith  started  a mill  mostly 
for  sawing  timber  and  preparing  floor-boards  along  the  Canal 
near  the  foot  of  Washington  street,  which  was  subsequently 
operated  for  many  years  by  Foos  & Bingaman,  builders. 

Eisenhower  & Fink  Mill. — Nathan  M.  Eisenhower  was  en- 
gaged as  a builder  before  1840.  He  carried  on  business  for 
himself  until  1845,  when  John  Fink  became  a partner,  trading 
as  Eisenhower  & Fink.  Their  shop  was  on  Wood  street  below 


PLANING  MILLS. 


195 


Chestnut.  They  were  general  builders  until  1847,  when  they 
started  a planing  mill,  operating  the  machinery  with  horse 
power.  They  continued  there  until  1850,  when  they  removed 
to  Canal  street  at  the  foot  of  Pine,  enlarging  their  capacity  and 
substituting  steam  power  for  the  machinery.  During  1850  and 
1851  they  erected  the  Reading  Cotton  Mill,  the  St.  James  Luth- 
eran Church,  the  Keystone  Hotel  (now  Hotel  Penn)  and  twenty- 
two  two-story  brick  dwelling  houses,  employing  30  carpenters 
and  25  laborers.  In  1866  Amos  Huyett  became  a partner,  and 
then  the  firm  name  became  Eisenhower,  Fink  & Co.  They 
remained  there  until  1874,  when  they  removed  to  the  wadding 
mill  on  Spruce  street  below  Third,  increasing  their  capacity  and 
employing  90  men.  They  had  then  the  largest  building  con- 
tracts at  Reading.  Eisenhower  died  in  1877,  when  the  firm 
name  became  Fink  & Co.  In  1894  Mr.  Fink  retired,  and  a 
company  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of  Reading  Planing 
Mill  Co.  This  company  carried  on  operations  extensively  until 
February,  1898,  when  it  was  discontinued. 

Shunk  Mill. — William  B.  Hertzel  after  carrying  on  the  busi- 
ness of  builder  and  carpenter  at  Reading  from  1835  to  1855, 
established  a planing  mill  at  Franklin  and  Carpenter  streets  and 
operated  it  until  1872,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  J.  H.  Cheet- 
ham.  It  was  then  run  by  Mr.  Cheetham  until  1883  with  20 
employees  and  by  Aaron  C.  Kline  and  PTederick  Shunk  until 
1893,  with  40  employees,  when  a company  was  organized,  trading 
as  F.  Shunk  Planing  Mill  Co.  by  which  it  has  been  carried  on 
since.  General  mill  work  is  done  and  the  product  is  shipped 
throughout  Berks  and  the  surrounding  counties.  Investment, 
$25,000;  annual  product,  $60,000;  wages,  $22,000. 

Gasser  & Johnsori  Mill . — George  Gasser,  Sr.,  came  to 
Reading  from  Myerstown  in  1869,  and  began  a planing  mill  at 
Ninth  and  Green  streets  for  all  kinds  of  mill  work.  He  named 
it  the  Northeastern  Planing  Mill,  because  it  was  situated  in  the 
northeast  section  of  Reading.  He  died  in  1887,  when  his 
son  George  and  son-in-law  John  W.  Johnson  carried  on  the 
mill,  trading  as  Gasser  & Johnson.  They  manufacture  all  kinds 
of  mill  work  and  fill  many  contracts  in  large  building  operations. 
Investment,  $40,000;  employees,  from  35  to  40;  annual  wages, 
$16,000;  and  annual  product,  $70,000. 


196 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Hampden  Mill. — In  1886  Reber,  Weinhold  & Co.  started 
doing  planing  mill  work  at  714  Court  street,  and  the  next  year 
they  located  their  factory  at  Oley  and  Locust  streets.  In  1888 
the  firm  name  was  changed  to  Steely,  Weinhold  & Co.,  with 
Reily  S.  Steely,  John  H.  Weinhold,  Adam  Bard  and  George 
W.  Bard  as  partners.  In  1889  the  mill  was  burned  down  and 
immediately  rebuilt.  It  was  operated  by  the  firm  until  April, 
1898,  when  a company  was  incorporated  under  the  name  of 
Hampden  Planing  Mill  Co.  Investment,  $20,000;  employees, 
25;  product,  all  kinds  of  mill  and  cabinet  work  in  different  kinds 
of  wood  for  local  trade.  Officers:  George  W.  Bard,  pres.; 
Levi  R.  Snyder,  sec.  and  treas.;  John  H.  Weinhold,  supt. 

Ce?itral  Mill. — Herman  F.  L.  Rummel  started  a planing  mill 
at  234  Moss  street  in  1889  with  12  hands.  He  has  operated 
the  same  until  now,  turning  out  all  kinds  of  mill  and  cabinet 
work,  in  hard  and  soft  woods.  Investment,  $40,000;  employ- 
ees, 25;  trade  in  Berks  and  surrounding  counties. 

Horhie  Mill. — In  1888  Paul  C.  Horine  began  general  mill 
work  and  made  cases  in  the  Remppis  Works  with  3 hands.  In 
1891  he  removed  his  plant  to  234  South  Eighth  street,  largely 
increasing  its  capacity,  and  employing  from  16  to  25  hands. 
The  mill  is  now  operated  by  his  father  M.  C.  Horine.  Invest- 
ment, $12,000;  product  is  supplied  to  local  builders  and 
dealers. 

Excelsior  Mill.  — In  1894  Joseph  Hodge,  A.  S.  Potteiger, 
Isaac  Sherman  and  James  W.  Kerst  associated  together  under 
the  name  of  the  Excelsior  Planing  Mill,  Hodge  & Co.,  for  gen- 
eral planing  mill  work.  They  located  at  133  Pearl  street,  and 
began  with  several  hands.  They  have  increased  their  business 
and  extended  their  trade  to  distant  places.  Employees,  25  to 
35;  annual  wages,  $10,000;  and  product,  $30,000. 

POTTERY. 

Sheyifelder  Pottery. — Daniel  P.  Shenfelder  established  a pot- 
tery at  329  Schuylkill  avenue  in  1862  for  the  manufacture  of 
stone  and  earthen-ware  of  all  kinds,  and  it  has  been  carried  on 
until  now.  The  factory  employs  from  4 to  10  hands;  amount 
invested,  $8,000;  and  the  product  is  disposed  of  at  Reading  and 
in  the  surrounding  country  districts. 


ROPES. 


I97 


PULLEYS. 

Reading  Wood  Pulley  Co. — In  1892  John  C.  Fiester  designed 
a wood  pulley  and  secured  a patent.  He  organized  a company 
and  manufactured  wood  pulleys  for  a year,  operating  three 
machines  and  employing  five  men.  In  1893  the  Reading  Wood 
Pulley  Co.  was  organized  and  improvements  were  added  to  the 
pulley.  The  factory  is  at  247  Poplar  street.  Pulleys  are  made 
from  6 to  100  inches  in  diameter  and  from  3 to  24  inches  in 
width.  The  largest  thus  far  made  in  diameter  was  14  feet  and 
in  width  44  inches.  The  product  is  shipped  throughout  the 
United  States,  also  through  South  America  and  Europe.  Men 
employed,  35;  annual  business,  $21,000.  This  is  the  only 
factory  of  the  kind  at  Reading.  The  company  was  incorpor- 
ated in  1893  with  a capital  of  $25,000.  Officers:  D.  F.  Printz, 
pres.;  J.  C.  Holloway,  sec.;  S.  H.  Fulmer,  treas. ; H.  J. 
Glaser,  manager. 

ROPES. 

Jackson  Rope  Factory. — The  first  rope  walk  was  established 
at  Reading  in  1829  by  Thomas  Jackson,  an  Englishman,  along 
the  southerly  side  of  the  Schuylkill  canal  between  the  Lan- 
caster bridge  and  Jackson’s  lock.  He  then  employed  5 hands 
and  manufactured  all  kinds  of  ropes  and  twines.  Until  1850, 
he  had  developed  his  plant  so  as  to  employ  from  15  to  20  hands. 
The  superintendent  of  the  Schuylkill  canal,  Samuel  Griscom, 
patronized  him  extensively  whereby  he  came  to  make  nearly  all 
the  ropes  for  the  company  and  for  personal  owners  of  boats. 

In  1850  the  large  freshet  swept  away  his  factory,  and  he  located 
on  First  Hockley  lane,  between  Eighth  and  Ninth  streets  (now 
beyond  Greenwich  street),  transferring  the  plant  from  the  ex- 
treme southern  end  of  the  city  to  the  then  extreme  northern 
end.  He  erected  a large  2-story  building  and  continued  to 
manufacture  ropes  and  twines  by  hand-spinning.  About  1862 
his  business  increased  very  much  and  he  then  introduced  ma- 
chinery, increasing  the  employees  to  25.  His  rope-walk  was 
built  to  the  length  of  1,450  feet.  In  1875  his  son  Henry  H.  was 
admitted  as  a partner,  and  from  that  time  the  business  was  con- 
ducted under  the  name  of  Thomas  Jackson  & Son. 

The  senior  partner  died  in  1878,  when  the  entire  plant  became 
the  property  of  Henry  H.  Jackson,  but  the  firm  name  was 


198 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


continued.  The  business  has  been  carried  on  very  successfully 
until  now.  The  works  comprise  three  mills,  and  employ  150 
hands.  The  productions  are  fine  manilla,  sisal  and  jute  ropes 
and  cordage,  twines  and  packing  yarns  of  different  kinds,  which 
are  forwarded  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States. 

This  rope-walk  has  been  the  only  establishment  of  its  kind 
carried  on  at  Reading.  Other  persons  were  engaged  in  the 
business  of  manufacturing  ropes,  cords  and  twines  at  different 
times,  in  a limited  way,  but  it  was  previous  to  i860. 

RUBBER  TIRES. 

Penn  Rubber  Tire  Co. — In  the  beginning  of  1897,  rubber 
tires  began  to  be  introduced  at  Reading.  A.  H.  Kretz  and  G. 
W.  Biehl  started  a shop  on  Washington  street  above  Poplar,  for 
putting  them  on  carriage  wheels,  trading  as  the  Penn  Rubber 
Tire  Co.  Shortly  afterward,  Robert  T.  Wetherhold  embarked 
in  the  business  with  his  father-indaw,  J.  A.  Strohecker.  They 
purchased  the  plant  and  have  continued  it  since,  supplying 
solid  cushion  and  pneumatic  rubber  tires.  They  employ  four 
hands. 

SHIRTS. 

The  manufacture  of  shirts  at  Reading  was  begun  by  Samuel 
L.  McCulloch  about  1872.  For  a number  of  years  he  employed 
eight  hands  and  disposed  of  large  quantities,  especially  of  the 
cheaper  grades.  Previously  the  demand  was  almost  entirely 
supplied  by  stores;  and  many  shirts  were  home-made.  William 
Laramy  carried  on  the  business  for  a number  of  years. 

McGowan  Factory. — Nathan  N.  Sprecher  began  making 
shirts  extensively  in  1876,  and  he  continued  until  1890,  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  John  G.  McGowan.  The  factory  has  been 
at  530  Penn  Square,  at  the  rear  of  his  gent’s  furnishings’  store 
for  some  years  until  now.  His  production  is  shipped  to  all  parts 
of  the  country.  Investment,  $15,000;  employees,  9;  annual 
wages,  $3,000;  and  product,  $25,000. 

Brusstar  Factory. — In  1880  James  S.  Brusstar  and  Albert 
C.  Weile  began  manufacturing  gent’s  shirts  of  all  kinds.  They 
continued  together  for  a year  when  Mr.  Brusstar  became  sole 
owner.  He  operated  the  factory  until  January  1,  1898,  employ- 
ing 35  hands  and  manufacturing  2,500  dozen  annually  which 
were  sold  in  Pennsylvania  and  adjoining  States.  Then  his  son 


SHOES.  199- 

George  and  Henry  M.  Rettew  became  partners,  with  the  firm 
trading  as  Jas.  S.  Brusstar  & Co.  The  factory  has  been  at  713 
Penn  street  since  1881. 

Klawanski  Factory. — In  1896  F.  C.  Klawanski  started  mak- 
ing men’s  and  boys’  shirts  and  overalls  at  635  Penn  street,  and 
in  1897  removed  to  Eighth  and  Elm  streets,  when  Julius  Teu- 
schert  became  a partner.  Investment,  $5,000;  employees,  50; 
annual  wages,  $8,000;  product,  8,000  dozen  shirts  and  overalls 
which  are  disposed  of  in  Reading  and  vicinity. 

Filbert  Factory.  —Martin  S.  Filbert  began  making  men’s 
shirts  and  ladies’  waists  in  1897  f°r  New  York  trade.  Invest- 
ment, $2,500;  employees,  32;  wages,  $4,500. 

Wm.  Smith  Factory. — Wm.  M.  Smith  began  in  1897.  He 
manufactures  men’s  shirts  and  ladies’  waists,  which  are  shipped 
to  Philadelphia;  employs  30  hands  and  operates  26  sewing 
machines. 

A.  L.  Smith  Factory. — Albert  L.  Smith  came  from  Trenton 
in  1882  and  opened  a gent’s  furnishing  store  at  431  Penn  Square. 
In  1887  he  began  the  manufacture  of  shirts  which  he  has  con- 
tinued. He  employs  10  hands  and  produces  weekly  25  dozen,, 
which  are  sold  in  Reading  and  vicinity. 

SHOES. 

Curtis , Jones  & Co. — Frederick  W.  Curtis  and  Frederick  S. 
Jones,  trading  as  Curtis,  Jones  & Co.,  began  manufacturing 
children’s  shoes  at  Fifth  and  Penn  streets  in  1885.  They  em- 
ployed 25  hands  and  produced  500  pairs  daily.  In  1889  they 
erected  a substantial  four-story  brick  factory  at  Fifth  and  Court 
streets,  and  supplied  it  with  the  latest  improved  machinery  to 
meet  the  demands  of  their  rapidly  increasing  business,  and  took 
possession  in  1890.  They  now  employ  175  hands  and  produce 
2000  pairs  of  shoes  daily.  They  also  carry  on  a similar  factory 
at  Hamburg  with  the  same  production,  having  started  there  in 
1895.  In  connection  with  manufacturing  shoes,  they  have  a 
very  large  jobbing  trade  which  extends  throughout  the  United 
States.  Annual  business,  $500,000;  and  wages,  $50,000. 
This  is  now  the  only  shoe  factory  conducted  at  Reading. 

There  are  numerous  boot  and  shoe  makers  at  Reading,  num- 
bering about  150,  who  manufacture  in  a limited  way  for  cus- 
tomers. 


200 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


SILK. 

Grimshaw  Mill. — In  1887  John,  George  and  David  Grim- 
shaw,  trading  as  Grimshaw  Brothers,  came  from  Paterson,  N.  J., 
for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a silk-mill  at  Reading  and  operat- 
ing it  in  connection  with  their  large  plant  at  that  place,  if  properly 
encouraged  in  their  proposed  enterprise.  In  this  behalf,  a num- 
ber of  public-spirited  citizens  organized  an  association  and 
secured  subscriptions,  amounting  to  $65,000.  The  building 
committee  comprised  Henry  Eppihimer,  George  D.  Stitzel, 
Lewis  Kremp,  Jerome  L.  Boyer  and  William  Rosenthal,  who 
purchased  a half-block  of  ground  at  Eleventh  and  Marion  streets 
and  erected  a superior  three-story  brick  structure  50  by  250 
feet  and  leased  it  to  the  Grimshaw  Brothers  for  a term  of 
years,  with  an  option  of  purchase;  who  then  equipped  it  with 
machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  silk,  costing  about  $75,000. 
They  have  operated  the  mill  since  then,  producing  large  quan- 
tities of  dress  goods,  lining,  “throwing  silk,”  and  yarns,  which 
have  been  shipped  to  New  York.  They  employ  350  hands, 
mostly  girls. 

On  January  9,  1889,  the  building  was  blown  down  by  a tor- 
nado, the  most  destructive  storm  that  ever  visited  Reading. 
The  mill  was  in  full  operation  at  the  time.  Many  of  the  hands 
escaped,  but  17  were  killed  and  over  100  injured.  A public 
meeting  of  citizens  assembled  in  the  Court  House  on  January 
10th  for  supplying  aid  to  the  suffering  families,  and  altogether 
$12,000  was  received  from  the  people  of  Reading  and  elsewhere, 
which  was  judiciously  distributed  by  a committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose. 

SOAP  AND  CANDLES. 

Leaman  Factory. — D.  R.  Hendricks  began  making  soap  at 
Reading  in  1866  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son-in-law,  W.  K. 
Leaman,  in  1879,  who  has  since  produced  annually  20,000 
pounds  for  laundry  purposes,  and  employed  from  2 to  10  hands, 
according  to  the  trade.  The  factory  is  at  128  Washington  street. 

Miller  Factory. — Franklin  K.  Miller  began  making  fulling, 
laundry,  scouring  and  toilet  soap  and  also  washing  powders  in 
1883.  Investment,  $8,000;  employees,  4;  annual  product, 
800,000  pounds,  supplied  to  local  customers.  His  factory  is 
on  Eighteenth  street  near  Perkiomen  avenue. 


SPALLS  AND  SAND. 


201 


Capallo  Factory. — John  Capallo  began  manufacturing  tallow- 
candles  in  1857  at  313  Spruce  street.  His  annual  product  was 
about  50  tons,  which  was  shipped  to  all  parts  of  Pennsylvania, 
especially  to  the  mining  regions  in  Schuylkill  county.  He  car- 
ried on  the  factory  successfully  until  his  decease  in  1862,  and 
his  widow  Mary  A.  Capallo  continued  the  business  until  1882, 
when  she  transferred  it  to  their  son  John  D.  Capallo,  by  whom 
it  has  been  conducted  since. 

SPALLS  AND  SAND. 

There  was  a “gravel  hole”  at  the  base  of  Mt.  Penn  in  Penn 
Common  in  a line  with  Washington  street,  and  there  the  town 
supervisors  obtained  materials  for  repairing  the  streets  for  one 
hundred  years  from  the  time  the  borough  was  established,  when 
the  streets  began  to  receive  more  attention  than  formerly,  until 
the  city  took  possession  of  the  Common  in  1886,  and  converted 
it  into  a park,  as  intended  by  the  Penns  when  they  set  apart  the 
land  in  1748  for  that  purpose.  During  that  time  many  thou- 
sands of  tons  were  hauled  away,  making  thereby  an  unsightly 
“hole”  in  the  side  of  the  mountain.  Afterward  the  supervisors 
secured  spalls  from  different  parties,  which  were  superior  to  the 
gravel  from  the  hole  for  macadamizing  the  streets.  Great 
quantities  were  produced  in  opening  Twelfth  and  Spruce  streets 
at  and  near  their  intersection.  Asa  G.  W.  Smith  was  the  con- 
tractor. They  were  broken  by  hand  and  delivered  on  the 
streets  in  different  parts  of  the  town.  This  was  started  several 
years  before  the  road  roller  was  obtained  in  1882. 

Haak  Crusher. — Michael  Haak  owned  a tract  of  land  on  the 
northern  declivity  of  Mt.  Neversink  and  there  he  opened  a 
place  in  1850  for  supplying  gravel  and  building  sand.  Opera- 
tions were  carried  on  in  a limited  manner  until  1895,  when  the 
heirs  of  Mr.  Haak  with  George  E.  Haak  as  manager  put  up  a 
crusher  plant,  and  since  then  they  have  supplied  large  quanti- 
ties of  sand  for  buildings  and  concrete  paving.  Employees,  8; 
daily  product,  75  tons;  investment,  $7,000. 

Thalheimer  Sand  Bank. — In  1861  Augustus  F.  Boas  opened 
a place  for  sand  on  the  western  declivity  of  Mt.  Penn  at  the 
head  of  Oley  street,  and  large  quantities  were  supplied  for 
plasterers  and  also  for  foundries.  Albert  Thalheimer  purchased 


202 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


the  land,  comprising  a tract  of  io  acres,  in  1878,  and  different 
parties  carried  on  digging  there  until  1898,  with  an  average 
annual  production  of  8,000  tons.  Gallagher  & Brisse  are  work- 
ing one  end  of  the  large  bank  with  10  men;  and  Ahrens  & 
Tobias  the  other  end  with  a crusher  recently  erected  and  20 
men,  for  supplying  building  and  paving  sand  in  large  quantities. 

Fulton  Crusher. — In  1889  William  M.  Fulton  began  quarry- 
ing and  crushing  lime-stone  near  the  Lebanon  Valley  railroad 
bridge  in  West  Reading  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  spalls. 
In  1896  he  removed  his  plant  to  “Leinbach  Hill”  at  the  west 
end  of  the  Penn  street  bridge.  He  produces  daily  150  tons  of 
spalls  and  delivers  the  greater  part  to  the  city  or  contractors  in 
constructing  streets  and  sewers.  He  employs  45  men  and  20 
teams. 

O'Reilly  Crusher. — Joseph  P.  O’Reilly  erected  a crusher 
plant  on  the  Hill  road  a mile  beyond  the  city  line  in  1896.  He 
has  operated  it  since,  supplying  the  Highway  Commissioners  or 
contractors  with  the  greater  part  of  his  product  for  street  paving 
and  sewer  work.  Employees,  22;  annual  product,  20,000  tons. 

Building  Sto?ies. — The  stones  for  the  foundations  of  buildings, 
erected  at  Reading  from  the  beginning  of  the  town  to  the 
present  time,  were  mostly  obtained  from  the  “White  Spot”  and 
the  vicinity  on  Mt.  Penn.  The  constant  removal  of  stones  from 
that  spot  gave  the  place  a white  appearance,  looking  from 
Reading  or  from  any  point  westward  many  miles.  The  enor- 
mous quantity  of  material  removed  from  this  place  during  the 
past  one  hundred  and  fifty  years,  indicates  the  great  value  of 
the  natural  deposit.  The  stones  were  hauled  by  2-horse  and  4- 
horse  teams  by  different  parties  who  were  paid  on  an  average 
eighty  cents  a perch  delivered. 

SPECTACLES. 

Willson  Factory. — In  1871  Thomas  A.  Willson  erected  a 
three-story  brick  factory  for  the  manufacture  of  spectacles  and 
equipped  it  with  machinery  especially  designed  by  him.  He 
began  operations  in  1872  and  then  established  the  only  place  in 
the  world  at  which  were  made  all  the  parts  that  constituted  a 
complete  pair  of  spectacles.  The  sand  for  the  lenses  was  ob- 
tained at  Berkshire,  Massachusetts,  and  the  steel  wire  for  the 


SPICE  AND  ROASTING  MILLS. 


203 


frame  was  also  obtained  mostly  in  Massachusetts.  The  lens  was 
tinted.  All  kinds  of  spectacles  were  made  and  a large  business 
was  developed  that  extended  throughout  the  world.  In  1885 
employment  was  given  to  240  persons,  and  the  average  daily 
production  was  3800  pairs.  The  several  machines  were  manu- 
factured in  the  factory  under  Mr.  Willson’s  direction  and  they 
are  perfect  specimens  of  superior  workmanship.  Owing  to  the 
great  competition  in  trade;  the  manufacture  of  lenses  was  dis- 
continued in  1886,  and  these  are  now  imported  from  Europe  in 
great  quantities,  of  which  a large  stock  is  kept  constantly  on 
hand.  Now  the  factory  is  devoted  entirely  to  the  manufacture 
of  low-priced  and  medium  grades  of  spectacles  and  it  is  the  only 
one  in  the  United  States  that  produces  exclusively  the  cheaper 
grades  of  steel  spectacles  and  eye-glasses.  The  daily  production 
is  10,000  pairs,  and  the  average  number  of  hands  employed 
is  200.  The  proprietor’s  son  Frederick  Willson  has  been  man- 
ager since  1893.  There  are  only  two  factories  in  Pennsylvania 
and  eight  in  the  United  States,  and,  excepting  this  factory,  their 
product  is  mostly  gold  and  silver  frames. 

SPICE  AND  ROASTING  MILLS. 

Keystone  Mills. — George  W.  Moyer  came  from  Easton,  and  in 
1872  associated  with  John  McKnight  for  the  manufacture  of 
spices  of  all  kinds.  In  1878  Mr.  Moyer  started  for  himself  and 
carried  on  the  business  until  his  decease  in  1889  when  the  mill 
at  Rose  and  Elm  streets  was  purchased  by  Kurtz  & Mayers, 
wholesale  grocers,  by  whom  it  has  been  operated  since.  Em- 
ployees, 3;  monthly  product,  30  tons,  which  is  shipped  to  all 
parts  of  Pennsylvania.  Large  quantities  of  coffee  also  are 
roasted  in  the  establishment. 

Blessing  Roasting  Mill.  — In  1861  Francis  X.  Blessing  and 
John  Shoemaker  began  roasting  coffee  on  Carpenter  street  near 
Spruce.  In  1870  they  removed  to  31 1 Chestnut  street,  and 
shortly  afterward  Mr.  Shoemaker  died.  Mr.  Blessing  then  be- 
came the  sole  owner  and  he  has  carried  on  the  business  since. 
He  employs  3 and  4 hands  and  roasts  1500  pounds  of  coffee  and 
peanuts  weekly,  which  are  disposed  of  in  Reading  and  differ- 
ent parts  of  Pennsylvania. 

George  Becker  and  Aug.  Kleinschmidt  are  also  in  the  business. 


204 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


STAINED-GLASS  WORKS. 

Kase  Works. — J.  M.  Kase,  trading  as  J.  M.  Kase  & Co.,  be-, 
gan  making  stained-glass  work  in  1885  at  5 11  Washington 
street.  He  designs  and  manufactures  memorial  windows  for 
churches  and  artistic  work  for  private  residences,  which  he  puts 
up  in  different  parts  of  Pennsylvania.  Investment,  $3,500; 
employees,  6 to  8;  product,  $10,000. 

Heme  Works. — In  1895  George  W.  Miller,  Sylvester  Weise 
and  James  T.  Barlow  organized  the  Reading  Decorative  Glass 
Co.  for  manufacturing  stained  glass  work  of  all  kinds  and  started 
a factory  at  128  Penn  street.  They  carried  on  the  plant  until 
January,  1898,  when  Joseph  A.  Heine  became  the  owner  and 
he  removed  it  to  Nineteenth  street  and  Perkiomen  avenue.  In- 
vestment, $5,000;  employees,  8;  product  forwarded  to  all  parts 
of  the  country. 

STEAM  HEAT. 

Reading  Steam  Heat  Co. — In  1887  a company  was  organized 
by  Isaac  McHose,  Wm.  Mcllvain  & Sons,  Levi  Quier,  John  R. 
Miller,  James  Nolan  and  others,  and  incorporated  under  the 
name  of  the  Reading  Steam  Heat  and  Power  Co.  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supplying  public  and  private  buildings  with  steam  heat, 
and  a large  plant  was  established  on  Elm  street  near  Reed,  com- 
prising ten  boilers  with  a capacity  of  1800  horse  power.  Mains 
were  put  down  along  Sixth,  Fifth,  Elm,  Walnut,  Washington 
and  Penn  streets,  measuring  nearly  11,000  feet.  The  company 
now  supplies  over  300  buildings.  Capital,  $100,000.  Officers: 
John  R.  Miller,  pres.;  Lewis  Crater,  sec.  and  treas. 

STENCILS  AND  RUBBER  STAMPS. 

Paff  Works. — In  1873  Francis  H.  Paff  began  making  stencil 
work  of  all  kinds,  police  badges,  corporation  seals,  and  rubber 
stamps.  In  1882  he  located  at  60  South  Seventh  street  and  has 
continued  there  since.  He  employs  two  hands,  supplying 
orders  from  different  parts  of  Pennsylvania. 

Reber  Works. — Horatio  K.  Reber  has  carried  on  rubber- 
stamp  making  since  1878.  He  employs  two  hands  and  manu- 
factures a large  number  of  stamps  which  he  ships  to  all  sections 
of  Pennsylvania.  He  also  made  stencils  from  1878  to  1885. 


TERRA  COTTA. 


205 


TERRA  COTTA. 

Fox  Works. — John  Lotz  carried  on  a hat  factory  at  the  foot 
of  Franklin  street  from  1800  to  1824;  then  Riah  Gillson  pur- 
chased the  property  and  converted  the  building  into  a general 
store  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  boatmen  with  groceries,  pro- 
visions, etc.  It  was  continued  as  a store  for  about  40  years. 
In  1868  Eli  S.  Fox,  Walter  K.  Hagy  and  Wm.  Keely,  trading 
as  Fox,  Hagy  & Co.,  established  a terra  cotta  works  on  the 
premises.  In  1870  Hagy  and  Keely  sold  their  interests  in  the 
business,  and  George  K.  Whitner  became  a partner,  the  firm 
trading  as  E.  S.  Fox  & Co.  Eli  S.  Fox  died  in  1890,  and  his 
sons  William,  Benjamin  F.  and  Eli  W.  succeeded  him,  and  they 
in  1896  purchased  the  interest  of  Mr.  Whitner.  They  manu- 
facture all  kinds  of  terra  cotta  ware,  especially  stove-lining, 
sewer  pipe  and  vases  which  are  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States.  Investment,  $40,000;  employees,  25;  annual 
product,  $40,000. 

TIN. 

Reading  Tin  Plate  Co. — In  1895  Howard  L.  Mcllvain,  Lewis 
Crater  and  Charles  A.  High  associated  together  for  the  purpose 
of  manufacturing  tin  and  terne  plate,  and  in  1896  incorporated 
a company  with  a capital  of  $20,000.  Their  plant  is  situated  at 
Front  and  Bern  streets.  They  employ  15  hands,  and  produce 
about  9000  boxes  of  tin-plate  annually,  which  they  sell  mostly 
to  Reading  dealers,  shipping  the  balance  to  New  York  and 
Jersey  City.  Officers:  Howard  L.  Mcllvain,  pres.;  Lewis 
Crater,  sec.  and  treas. ; and  Charles  A.  High,  manager.  This 
is  the  first  industry  of  the  kind  at  Reading  and  the  only  one 
carried  on  here. 

TRUNKS. 

Weightman  Factory. — Joseph  J.  Weightman,  of  Bridgeton, 
New  Jersey,  came  to  Reading  in  1888,  and  started  the  manu- 
facture of  trunks,  bags,  sample  and  extension  cases  at  402  Penn 
square,  and  has  continued  the  same  until  now.  He  employs  3 
hands,  and  produces  annually  850  trunks  and  500  cases,  which 
are  disposed  of  in  Reading  and  vicinity.  The  amount  invested 
is  $1800,  and  the  annual  product  is  about  $6,000.  This  is  the 
first  industry  of  the  kind  at  Reading.  Previously,  trunks,  etc. , 
were  purchased  at  the  different  hat  stores;  now  this  factory  sup- 
plies many  customers. 


206 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


UMBRELLAS. 

About  1847  Leopold  Hirsch  came  to  Reading  and,  after  en- 
gaging in  repairing  umbrellas  for  a time,  started  manufacturing 
them,  and  he  continued  to  do  so  until  i860  when  he  located  at 
Philadelphia. 

Rolland  Factory. — In  1869  August  Rolland,  a French- 
man, began  the  business  at  26  South  Seventh  street,  and  in 
1879  he  removed  to  639  Penn  street.  The  business  has  been 
carried  on  there  since.  Mrs.  Mary  Rolland  is  operating  the 
factory  assisted  by  her  sons.  She  employs  6 hands. 

Others  in  the  business  are  Mrs.  Rose  Miller  and  William  M. 
Parvin,  but  they  are  mostly  engaged  in  selling  ready-made  um- 
brellas and  making  repairs. 

WASHING  MACHINES. 

Sunbeam  Washer. — In  1890  Reuben  Hoffa,  Jonah  Keim, 
Thomas  Eckert  and  Franklin  Albright  organized  a company, 
trading  as  Sunbeam  Manuf’g  Co.,  Limited,  for  the  manufacture 
of  the  Sunbeam  washing  machine.  For  several  years  the  busi- 
ness was  carried  on  extensively,  producing  several  thousand 
washers  a year,  but  now  only  two  hands  are  employed  and  60 
machines  are  made  monthly.  Investment,  $4,000.  Trade 
mostly  local. 

Lessig  Washer. — Samuel  Lessig,  Sr.,  was  engaged  in  mak- 
ing and  repairing  farming  implements  at  Reading  for  38 
years,  from  1849  to  1887.  In  1893  he  designed  and  patented 
an  improved  washing  machine,  which  he  named  the  “Lessig.” 
He  has  manufactured  the  machine  mostly  alone,  producing  an- 
nually over  100  machines,  and  selling  them  in  Reading  and 
vicinity. 

Queen  Washer. — Nathan  S.  Althouse  patented  an  improved 
washing  machine  in  1895,  which  he  named  the  “Queen,”  and 
he  and  his  partner,  J.  H.  Knoll,  trading  as  Knoll  & Althouse, 
(who  were  engaged  in  making  farming  implements,)  then 
directed  their  attention  to  its  manufacture.  They  employ  5 hands 
in  their  factory  at  Muhlenberg  and  Orange  streets,  and  pro- 
duce monthly  over  200  machines  which  are  sold  in  Pennsyl- 
vania and  the  adjoining  States. 


WOOLEN  GOODS. 


207 


WOOLEN  GOODS. 

Reading  Woolen  Mills. — Robert  M.  Shouse,  of  Easton,  came 
to  Reading  in  1859,  and  began  the  manufacture  of  gingham 
and  shirting  check.  Some  months  afterward  his  enterprise  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  He  then  selected  a lot  on  Fourth  street  be- 
yond Elm  as  a suitable  location  and  erected  a two-story  stone 
factory  with  basement  where  he  resumed  the  manufacture  of  the 
articles  mentioned,  and  continued  the  same  until  1864,  when  he 
converted  it  into  a woolen  mill  for  manufacturing  jeans,  plaids 
and  doe-skin  cloths.  Jonathan  G.  Leinbach  became  the  mana- 
ger and  in  1867  he  was  made  a partner,  the  firm  trading  under 
the  name  of  R.  M.  Shouse  & Co.  They  employed  50  hands 
and  their  annual  production  amounted  to  $100,000,  which  was 
shipped  to  commission  houses  at  New  York,  Philadelphia  and 
Baltimore.  The  firm  continued  operations  until  1875,  when 
Mr.  Leinbach  became  the  sole  owner.  Shortly  afterward  he 
formed  a co-partnership  with  Aaron  S.  Leinbach  and  William 
F.  P.  Davis,  who  traded  as  J.  G.  Leinbach  & Co.  In  1880 
John  Shadel  became  a partner.  In  1887  Rev.  Davis  died  and 
his  interest  was  purchased  by  Mr.  Leinbach. 

In  1889  the  senior  member  gave  an  interest  in  the  business  to 
his  three  brothers,  Daniel,  Albert  and  Mahlon;  and  in  1894, 
appreciating  the  long-continued  fidelity  of  certain  of  the  older 
employees  who  had  worked  in  the  mill  from  twenty  to  thirty 
years,  he  also  gave  them  an  interest.  In  1896  Aaron  S.  Lein- 
bach died,  and  the  surviving  partners  (Leinbach  and  Shadel,) 
purchased  his  interest. 

After  the  firm  had  organized  in  1875,  improvements  were 
made  to  the  plant,  additional  ground  was  purchased,  and  new 
machinery  was  introduced  from  time  to  time.  In  1880  the 
manufacture  of  jeans  was  discontinued.  The  volume  of  busi- 
ness increased  steadily,  and  with  it  the  number  of  hands.  In 
1889  the  annual  business  amounted  to  over  $200,000.  The 
product  of  the  mill  is  now  entirely  woolen  cloths.  Investment, 
$130,000;  hands  employed,  75;  annual  wages,  $30,000;  busi- 
ness, $192,000,  the  amount  having  fallen  off  owing  to  the  pre- 
vailing panic. 

The  plant  is  equipped  with  the  best  machinery,  including  4 
self-acting  spinning  machines  with  1508  spindles,  and  a 100- 


208 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


horse-power  Corliss  engine.  The  enterprise  has  been  named 
the  Reading  Woolen  Mill,  and  the  manufactured  cloths  are  so 
known  in  the  market,  having  a superior  reputation.  This  is  the 
only  enterprise  at  Reading  in  which  the  older  and  more  ex- 
perienced hands  have  been  permitted  to  share  in  the  profits  of 
the  business.  The  generosity  of  the  senior  member  has  been 
appreciated  and  it  has  resulted  in  mutual  benefits,  as  well  to  the 
firm  as  to  the  recipients. 

Sio?iy  Creek  Mills. — On  the  Friedensburg  road  at  the  point 
where  it  crosses  the  Antietam  creek  a paper  mill  was  carried  on 
for  many  years.  In  1864  Louis  Kraemer  and  others  established 
a woolen  mill  there,  and  it  has  been  operated  very  successfully 
until  the  present  time.  The  strong  stream  provided  a valuable 
water  power  which  was  the  principal  consideration  that  induced 
the  erection  of  the  mill,  but  in  1875  the  water  was  appropriated 
by  the  City  of  Reading  for  an  increased  supply  and  steam-power 
had  to  be  substituted.  Different  parties  were  connected  with 
the  firm  until  1893,  when  a re-organization  was  effected  with 
Louis  Kraemer,  Louis  F.  Kraemer,  Louis  F.  Grebe  and  Martin 
D.  Hunter  as  partners,  trading  as  Louis  Kraemer  & Co.  The 
mill  produces  7,200  yards  of  men’s  cassimers  weekly;  annual 
product,  $180,000,  which  is  sold  in  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Employees,  70.  This  industry,  though  four  miles  from 
Reading,  is  identified  with  its  establishments  and  therefore  in- 
cluded in  this  chapter. 


PART  IV. — SITUATION  OF  READING  IN  1898. 

From  the  foregoing  facts,  it  is  evident  that  the  situation  of 
Reading  is  exceptional  in  many  respects.  Though  not  by  the 
sea-side  or  along  some  great  river  to  afford  easy  access  thereto 
by  navigation,  yet  the  facilities  for  trading  and  communicating 
with  all  parts  of  the  country  are  great  enough  to  give  it  distinc- 
tion. When  the  town  was  laid  out,  its  location  was  controlled 
by  the  ford  across  the  Schuylkill  to  which  public  roads  had  al- 
ready converged  and  from  which  additional  roads  were  likely  to 
diverge.  Subsequently  railroads  were  projected  in  the  direc- 
tion of  these  public  roads,  and  from  that  time  the  growth  of  its 
population  and  industrial  activity  became  more  and  more  won- 


SITUATION  OF  READING. 


209 


derful.  Now,  after  the  lapse  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  years, 
we  find  here  all  the  advantages  and  improvements  that  consti- 
tute a thriving  community.  These  advantages  will  be  briefly 
stated  in  order  to  give  the  reader  a just  conception  of  Reading’s 
present  greatness  as  a centre  of  production,  trade,  wealth  and 
population,  and  by  comparing  them  with  the  general  situation 
of  affairs  in  1847,  a marked  improvement  in  every  respect  will 
be  made  apparent. 

The  drainage  is  superior  by  the  natural  trend  of  the  surface 
from  the  mountains  to  the  river.  This  was  sufficient  as  long  as 
the  population  was  well  distributed  and  the  industrial  establish- 
ments, stores  and  hotels  were  of  an  ordinary  size;  but  after  the 
population  had  begun  to  be  compact,  and  the  business  places  of 
various  kinds  extensive,  an  improved  system  of  sewers  for 
streets  and  buildings  became  necessary.  A system  was  accord- 
ingly adopted,  and  the  public  expenditure  in  that  behalf  exceeds 
half  a million  dollars. 

The  streets  have  been  macadamized  throughout  the  major 
part  of  the  city,  covering  an  area  of  three  miles  long  by  two 
miles  wide;  and  a substantial  start  has  been  made  in  putting 
down  sheet  asphaltum  on  Penn  and  South  Fifth  streets, 
measuring  about  two  miles  in  length,  with  encouraging  prospects 
for  extending  this  improvement  from  the  central  portions  of  the 
city  towards  its  limits. 

The  dwellings  number  more  than  14,000,  and  nearly  nine- 
tenths  of  them  are  constructed  of  brick.  They  are  substantial 
in  appearance  and  comfortable  in  arrangement,  with  small  lots 
of  ground  appurtenant,  the  prices  ranging  from  $ 1,000  to 
$2,500.  Many  beautiful  residences  have  been  erected  in  differ- 
ent sections  of  Reading  costing  from  $5,000  to  $75,000. 

The  population  in  the  sixteen  wards  has  been  ascertained  to 
be  73,000,  over  five  times  the  number  when  the  city  was  erected 
fifty  years  ago.  A considerable  proportion  of  the  natural  in- 
crease of  the  place,  brought  here  through  improving  industrial 
conditions  and  entirely  dependent  upon  them,  has  found  a 
pleasant  lodgment  in  the  surrounding  surburban  towns  within 
three  miles  from  the  post  office  building;  but  these  localities 
should  be  justly  taken  as  a part  of  Reading,  and  being  added 
we  should  have  at  least  85,000,  or  over  six  times  the  number 


210 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


here  in  1847.  The  buildings  in  the  suburban  places  are  almost 
entirely  brick  and  compare  with  those  at  Reading.  The 
average  number  of  inhabitants  to  a dwelling  in  the  entire  com- 
munity is  less  than  five.  In  this  respect  Reading  compares 
favorably  with  the  most  progressive  cities  in  the  United  States. 

The  supply  of  water  is  superior  in  character  and  abundant  in 
quantity.  There  are  five  sources  with  a daily  flow  of  15,000,000 
gallons,  and  a total  storage  capacity  of  181,532,000  gallons, 
established  at  a total  cost  of  $1,746,953.  Rent  charges  are  as 
moderate  as  any  in  the  United  States.  For  dwellings  and 
stores,  there  is  a schedule  of  prices;  and  for  manufacturing 
•establishments  and  saloons  the  consumption  is  measured  by 
meters  at  low  rates.'  The  management  of  the  water  department 
is  highly  creditable. 

Dwellings  are  lighted  mostly  by  gas,  and  the  stores,  public 
buildings,  and  streets  by  electricity.  Many  shops  and  factories 
are  supplied  with  power  by  an  electric  company;  and  a large 
plant  has  been  established  for  supplying  steam  heat  to  dwellings 
and  public  buildings,  large  mains  having  been  put  down  along 
certain  streets  in  the  interior  portion  of  the  city,  measuring 
about  two  miles. 

The  department  of  public  works  was  established  several  years 
ago  and  though  of  recent  origin  it  has  shown  itself  a valuable 
aid  to  improved  local  government  in  the  matter  of  expenditures 
for  streets  and  sewers. 

Police  protection  extends  throughout  the  city.  The  depart- 
ment comprises  fifty-seven  officers.  The  patrol  system  is  com- 
plete, and  the  remotest  stations,  as  well  as  the  nearest,  (num- 
bering twenty-seven,)  are  in  direct  communication  with  City 
Hall,  and  in  constant  readiness  for  dispatching  the  arrest  of 
transgressors. 

The  public  market  houses  on  Penn  square  were  abandoned 
and  removed  in  1871.  Since  then,  seven  private  market  houses 
have  been  established  in  different  parts  of  the  city,  affording 
unusual  facilities  to  the  inhabitants  for  purchasing  produce  twice 
and  thrice  a week;  and  some  of  the  shops  are  gradually  develop- 
ing into  small  market  houses  for  supplying  daily  all  kinds  of 
meat,  produce,  etc. 


SITUATION  OF  READING. 


21  I 


The  fire  department  is  voluntary  in  character  but  very  effi- 
cient. It  comprises  twelve  companies  with  1,600  active  and 
4,600  contributing  members,  and  they  respond  to  alarms  in  a 
prompt  manner.  The  annual  appropriations  by  the  city  amount 
to  $30,000.  The  alarms  during  1897  numbered  eighty-one, 
and  the  total  losses  amounted  to  $139,324.  A superior  fire 
alarm  system  has  been  in  successful  operation  since  1873,  and 
there  are  now  sixty-two  alarm  boxes  in  use,  distributed  in  seven 
circuits.  The  department  can  be  said  to  afford  the  community 
protection  against  fire  equal  to  any  given  elsewhere  in  the 
United  States.  Until  recently,  the  alarm  boxes  were  locked 
and  keys  for  each  box  were  deposited  at  several  places  near  by 
for  use  when  necessary,  to  guard  against  false  alarms;  now  the 
lever  is  exposed  at  the  boxes,  (beyond  the  reach  of  children,) 
and  ready  for  any  one  to  give  the  alarm  without  delay  in  case 
of  fire.  Occasionally,  some  alarms  are  not  warranted,  but  they 
are  not  given  maliciously  to  deceive  the  department. 

The  health  department  is  well  conducted.  Its  annual  reports 
indicate  a superior  sanitary  condition . of  Reading  and  a very 
low  death  rate  in  proportion  to  population.  A crematory  was 
erected  recently  beyond  the  southern  limits  of  Reading  to  dis- 
pose of  the  garbage  by  public  service,  and  the  first  annual  con- 
tract was  awarded  to  remove  it  two  and  three  times  a week  ac- 
cording to  the  season. 

The  assessed  value  of  property  at  Reading  for  purposes  of 
taxation  exceeds  $42,000,000.  The  tax  rates  are  low,  being  6 
mills  for  city  purposes;  4 mills  for  school;  and  2)4  mills  for 
county.  The  annual  appropriations  for  city  affairs  amount  to 
$433,547 ; and  for  school  affairs,  $219,453.  The  total  expendi- 
tures by  the  city  for  the  last  fiscal  year,  from  April,  1897  to  April, 
1898,  were  $604,509;  of  which  the  three  largest  items  were  for 
police,  $107,456,  for  highways,  $140,000,  for  sewers,  $192,520. 
But  the  assessment  of  property  for  purposes  of  taxation  does 
not  represent  the  real  value.  The  expenditures  required  to 
establish  all  the  buildings,  improvements,  factories  and  plants  of 
every  kind  have  an  aggregate  value  of  at  least  $75,000,000. 

The  school  buildings  number  41,  and  are  valued  at  $737,400. 
The  system  comprises  244  schools,  263  teachers  and  over  11,000 
scholars. 


212 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


There  are  17  religious  denominations  which  have  over  60 
churches^  some  of  them  large  and  costly  structures,  and  their 
total  valuation  amounts  to  $1,542,100. 

The  stores  number  nearly  1,000,  of  which  over  600  are  licensed; 
industrial  establishments,  500;  and  small  shops  of  all  kinds 
400.  Some  of  the  stores  are  very  large,  including  many  de- 
partments, and  employing  from  35  to  350  salespeople  and  clerks. 
The  expenses  of  several  of  them  exceed  the  total  amount  of 
business  done  by  all  the  stores  at  Reading  thirty  years  ago. 
This  contrast  shows  their  extraordinary  growth  and  importance 
in  the  affairs  of  Reading.  The  manufactured  productions  in 
1847  were  limited  in  kind,  quantity  and  value  with  a local  con- 
sumption excepting  hats,  iron  and  brick;  now  they  are  numer- 
ous in  kinds  and  very  large  in  quantity  and  value,  with  a distri- 
bution into  all  civilized  parts  of  the  world;  and  the  largest  estab- 
lishment now  employs  as  many  hands  as  all  of  them  taken  to- 
f gether  then,  including  shops  and  stores  of  every  kind. 

The  postal  facilities  are  superior  in  every  particular.  There 
are  three  general  deliveries  of  letters  to  all  parts  of  Reading, 
and  three  collections  from  182  boxes;  and  five  deliveries  and 
seven  collections,  which  cover  the  greater  part  of  the  city  for 
business  purposes.  The  carriers  number  thirty-five.  The  post 
office  building  is  a superb  structure,  costing  $180,000.  The 
money  order  department  handled  $563,859  from  April,  1897,  to 
April,  1898;  and  the  postal  department,  $91,020.  Since  1894, 
the  annual  increase  in  the  former  has  been  nearly  $40,000;  and 
in  the  latter  nearly  $10,000. 

For  communicating  with  distant  places,  there  are  two  tele- 
graph lines  and  one  telephone  line;  and  for  delivering  packages, 
two  express  companies.  A local  transfer  system  has  been 
established,  which  is  capable  of  meeting  all  possible  demands 
for  passengers  and  baggage,  and  many  persons  have  engaged  in 
the  local  express  business  for  hauling  freight  and  merchandise. 

Eight  banks,  two  trust  companies,  two  insurance  companies 
and  many  building  and  savings  associations  comprise  the  finan- 
cial institutions  of  Reading.  The  banks  have  an  aggregate 
capital  of  $1,675,020;  surplus,  $1,853,369;  and  deposits, 
$4,887,977.  The  trust  companies  are  superior  institutions,  with 
the  unqualified  confidence  of  the  people,  and  trust  funds  under 
their  management  amount  to  nearly  $1,000,000. 


SITUATION  OF  READING. 


213 


The  steam  railroad  facilities  are  exceptional.  Lines  extend 
in  five  directions,  and  numerous  trains  are  operated  daily,  the 
passenger  trains  numbering  nearly  100,  and  the  freight  trains 
over  100.  Trains  are  run  without  change  of  cars  to  Pottsville, 
Sunbury  and  Williamsport;  to  Slatington;  to  Allentown;  to 
Harrisburg;  to  Lancaster  and  Columbia;  to  Wilmington;  and 
to  Philadelphia.  The  several  lines  are  the  Philadelphia  and 
Reading;  Pennsylvania  Schuylkill  Valley;  Lebanon  Valley; 
East  Penn;  Schuylkill  and  Lehigh;  and  Wilmington  and 
Northern.  There  is  a complete  system  of  street  railways  which 
enables  passengers  to  be  carried  from  one  end  of  the  city  to 
the  other  for  a single  fare  of  five  cents,  or  thirty  rides  for  $1.00. 
Lines  also  extend  west  to  Womelsdorf  14  miles;  southwest  to 
Mohnsville  and  Adamstown,  14  miles;  and  south-east  to  Black 
Bear  Inn  and  Stony  Creek  Mills,  4 miles,  with  encouraging 
prospects  of  continuing  the  last  named  line  to  Boyertown,  16 
miles.  And  mountain  railways  have  been  constructed  around 
and  upon  Mt.  Penn  and  Mt.  Neversink  which  afford 
great  facilities  to  the  inhabitants  and  to  visitors  for  recreation 
and  amusement,  and  also  for  extended  views  over  a picturesque 
country  more  than  thirty  miles  square.  Nine,  resorts  are  situ- 
ated along  both  lines,  which  are  largely  patronized  from  June 
to  October. 

Suburban  towns  adjoin  Reading  in  every  direction,  and  all  of 
them  are  conveniently  reached  by  street  cars,  excepting  to  the 
north.  They  are  gradually  preparing  the  way  for  “Greater 
Reading,”  which,  within  the  next  decade,  will  cover  an  area  of 
territory  embracing  twenty  square  miles,  and  containing  a pop- 
ulation about  115,000.  The  conditions  are  here  to  warrant  this 
assertion.  The  people  generally  are  coming  to  understand 
more  and  more  the  important  elements  that  constitute  a pros- 
perous community  and  are  directing  their  efforts  accordingly. 

Two  attractive  parks  have  been  established  at  public  expense 
exceeding  $130,000,  and  they  are  delightful  places  for  rest  and 
recreation  to  many  thousands  of  people.  A fine  park  two  miles 
east  of  the  city  is  operated  by  the  street  railway  company,  being 
an  attractive  spot  where  amusements  of  a superior  class  are 
provided  during  the  summer  months.  Three  theatres  are  car- 
ried on  during  nine  months  of  the  year,  which  are  well  patron- 
ized; and  more  than  thirty  large  halls  have  been  established  in 


214 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


the  several  sections  of  the  city  to  accommodate  meetings  of  all 
kinds,  more  particularly  for  secret  societies. 

The  environments  of  Reading  are  not  surpassed  anywhere  for 
general  picturesqueness  of  extended  views  over  rolling  hills, 
flowing  streams  and  fertile  valleys.  They  have  induced  the 
construction  of  two  railways  on  the  mountains  to  the  east  and 
south,  and  the  erection  of  many  substantial  resorts  together  rep- 
resenting an  invested  capital  of  nearly  a million  dollars.  The 
Schuylkill  valley  extends  from  the  South  mountains  to  the  Blue 
mountains,  visible  for  thirty  miles,  and  the  Lebanon  (or  Tulpe- 
hocken)  valley  visible  from  the  river  westward  for  twenty  miles. 
More  than  thirty  towns  have  been  built  up  in  this  area  of  terri- 
tory, and  all  have  constant  business  intercourse  with  Reading. 

The  licensed  places  for  the  sale  of  liquor  number  174. 
Some  of  them  are  saloons,  but  most  of  them  hotels.  Four 
large  hotels  are  situated  on  Penn  Square  equipped  with  modern 
improvements,  which  have  a capacity  for  accommodating  600 
to  800  guests  in  the  business  centre  of  the  place.  The  total 
capacity  of  all  the  hotels  and  lodging  houses  is  estimated  at 
5,000,  evidencing  the  fact  that  Reading  can  comfortably  enter- 
tain large  conventions,  celebrations  and  excursion  parties. 

Twenty  newspapers  are  published  at  Reading,  two  morning 
daily  and  four  evening  daily, (one  of  them  German);  and  four- 
teen weeklies,  (six  of  them  German);  and  there  are  seven  other 
periodicals,  both  English  and  German,  religious  and  secular, 
which  have  a very  wide  circulation,  extending  into  all  parts  of 
the  United  States. 

The  musical  character  of  the  people  is  of  a superior  order. 
The  societies  for  producing  instrumental  and  vocal  music  are 
numerous,  and  several  of  each  class  have  a wide  reputation. 

The  secret  society  has  come  to  be  the  greatest  social  feature 
at  Reading,  exceeding  in  total  male  membership  even  that  of 
the  churches.  In  1847  there  were  only  two  orders,  the  Ma- 
sonic and  Odd  Fellows,  with  a limited  membership;  now  they 
are  numerous,  embracing  all  kinds,  and  the  membership  of  each 
runs  from  several  hundred  to  several  thousand.  The  associa- 
tions for  literary,  musical,  professional,  political,  religious  and 
social  purposes  are  also  numerous,  and  they  exert  a powerful 
influence  over  the  feelings  and  actions  of  the  people. 


SITUATION  OF  READING. 


215 


MISCELLANEOUS  EMPLOYMENTS. 

The  following  list  is  presented  to  show  the  number  and  char- 
acter of  the  several  employments  at  Reading  in  April,  1898: 


Architects  7 

Artists 8 

Attorneys-at  Law ico 

Auctioneers 5 

Barbers .114 

Bell  Hangers 4 

Bill  Posters 2 

Blacksmiths 32 

Bleaching  Straw  Goods  ...  1 

Boarding  Houses 62 

Book-sellers,  etc 9 

Brokers  5 

Bricklayers  ...  ....  100 

Building  Contractors  ....  10 

Butchers 83 

Caterers  3 

Carpet  Dealers 7 

Carpet  Cleaners  .......  2 

Chair  Caners 2 

Chair  Makers 2 

Chinaware,  etc 3 

Cigars  and  Tobacco  . ...  66 

Civil  Engineers 5 

Coal,  Wood,  etc 6r 

Coffee  Roasting 4 

Commission  Agents 4 

Confectionery 59 

Contractors £> 

Coopers 3 

Dentists 30 

Detectives 3 

Dressmakers 222 

Druggists 34 

Dry  Goods,  etc 71 

Dyeing  . 4 

Electricians 6 

Embalmers  2 

Employment  Bureaus  ....  2 

Engraving  . 2 

Flag  Stones,  etc 12 

Flour,  Feed,  etc 45 

Fruit,  Fish,  etc 41 

Furniture 15 


Furrier 1 

Gents’  Furnishing,  etc.  ...  22 

Grain  Shippers 4 

Grocers,  retail 297 

Grocers,  wholesale 3 

Gunsmiths 2 

Hardware 13 

Hat  Block  Makers  ....  2 

Hair  Workers,  (Human)  . . 4 

Hides 4 

Hotels  and  Saloons 174 

Ice  Dealers 15 

Installment  Houses  .....  7 

Insurance,  Fire 22 

Insurance,  Life 15. 

Jewelers 25 

Layers  out  of  dead 10 

Leather  4 

Liquors  15, 

Live  Stock 3 

Locksmith . 1 

Lumber 13 

Marble  Yards . 8 

Mercantile  Agencies  ....  2 

Milk  Dealers 18 

Milliners 20 

Millwrights 2 

Newspapers,  &c  ......  . 27 

Newspaper  Dealers 2 

Notaries  . . . 31 

Notions — wholesale r 

Opticians 10 

Painters,  &c 34 

Patent  Solicitors 2 

Pattern  Makers . 2 

Pavers 4 

Pension  Attorneys 4 

Photographers 8 

Physicians 130 

Pciture  Frames,  &c 2 

Piano  Tuners 5 

Plasterers .75 

Plumbing,  &c 19. 


216 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Pool  Rooms 9 

Printers,  Book  and  Job  ...  27 

Produce  Dealers * 7 

Rags,  Paper,  &c 10 

Real  Estate  Agents 33 

Restaurants 46 

Saddlery,  &c 10 

Sewing  Machines 4 

Shoe  Dealers 30 

Shoemakers  143 

Shoe  Upper  Manufacturers  . 1 

Slate  Roofers 3 

Stables,  Livery,  &c 22 

Stables,  Sale 4 

Stair-Builders 3 

Stamping 2 

Steam-Ship  Agents 4 

Stock  Dealers  4 

Storage  3 

Tailors  and  Clothiers  ....  100 


Teachers,  School 265 

Teachers,  Music 60 

Teachers,  Dancing 5 

Tea  and  Coffee 4 

Telegraphers  ........  48 

Telephoners 15 

Theatres 3 

Ticket  Offices 6 

Tinsmiths 35 

Toilet  Articles 1 

Tool  Sharpeners,  &c  . . . . 2 

Toys 3 

Typewriters,  &c 375 

Undertakers 9 

Upholsterers  ........  9 

Veterinary  Surgeons  ....  5 

Wall  Paper 16 

Wax  Workers,  &c 4 

Wheelwrights 7 


SESQUI-CENTENNIAL. 


217 


CHAPTER  III.— SESQUI-CENTENNIAL. 


PART  I. — ACTION  OF  BOARD  OF  TRADE. 

At  the  regular  monthly  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  held 
on  March  5,  1896,  a letter  was  read,«addressed  by  Frederick 
W.  Lauer  to  Hon.  Thomas  P.  Merritt,  president  of  the  Board, 
calling  attention  to  the  fact  that  Reading  was  incorporated  as  a 
City  on  March  16,  1847,  that  next  year  the  Semi-Centennial 
Anniversary  of  this  event  would  occur,  and  that  the  necessary 
steps  should  be  taken  by  the  Board  for  a proper  celebration  of 
the  event.  The  letter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Munici- 
pal Affairs  with  a request  to  report  at  the  next  meeting. 

At  the  regulai  meeting  of  the  Board  on  July  2,  1896,  James 
P.  Sellers,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Municipal  Affairs, 
presented  the  following  resolution  which  was  unanimously 
adopted:  “ Resolved , That  City  Councils  be  requested  to  appoint 
a special  committee  of  five  members,  two  of  Select  and  three  of 
Common  Council,  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  Committee  on 
Municipal  Affairs  of  this  Board,  to  arrange  for  the  proper  ob- 
servance of  the  Semi-Centennial  of  the  incorporation  of  Read- 
ing as  a City.” 

At  the  regular  meeting  on  August  6,  1896,  Howard  L.  Boas 
presented  a report  that  he  had  caused  to  be  read  to  City  Coun- 
cils the  resolution  relative  to  the  celebration  of  Reading’s  Semi- 
Centennial  and  that  in  pursuance  of  the  request,  Howard  L. 
Boas  and  Jacob  B.  Stout  were  appointed  from  Select  Council, 
and  Israel  S.  Fry  and  William  Templin  from  Common  Council, 
to  meet  the  Committee  on  Municipal  Affairs  to  carry  out  the 
purpose  of  the  resolution. 

The  matter  was  mentioned  at  subsequent  meetings  of  the  Board 
and  a banquet  was  proposed,  in  which  the  City  Officials  were  to 
participate.  Besides  this,  nothing  special  was  done  at  the  meet- 
ings for  six  months. 


2 I 8 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Sesqui-  Centennial  Celebration. — At  the  annual  meeting  on 
February  18,  1897,  Mr.  Sellers,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Municipal  Affairs,  offered  a resolution  that  the  proposed  ban- 
quet be  abandoned,  but  that  a more  extensive  celebration  be 
held  for  the  Sesqui-Centennial  of  Reading  in  1898,  which  was 
adopted.  Action  on  the  subject  was  again  taken  by  the  Board 
on  September  2,  1897,  when  Chairman  Sellers  presented  a re- 
port in  behalf  of  the  Sesqui-Centennial,  and,  after  considerable 
discussion,  on  motion  of  Samuel  D.  Dibert,  a General  Com- 
mittee was  appointed  comprising  the  Committee  from  City 
Councils,  Howard  L.  Boas,  Jacob  B.  Stout,  William  Templin 
and  Israel  S.  Fry,  and  the  Committee  on  Municipal  Affairs, 
James  P.  Sellers,  Calvin  K.  Whitner,  Amos  K.  Kline,  W. 
Morris  Deisher  and  F.  J.  Hunt,  with  the  president  of  the 
Board,  Hon.  Thomas  P.  Merritt,  and  the  secretary,  Eugene 
P.  Stofer,  as  members  ex-officio. 

PART  II — PROCEEDINGS  OF  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE. 

Pursuant  to  a general  notice  published  in  the  newspapers,  the 
first  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  was  held  in  the  rooms 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  on  September  9,  1897,  and  then  J. 
George  Hintz  and  J.  K.  Righter  were  also  in  attendance. 
After  considerable  discussion  of  the  proposed  celebration,  the 
Committee  was  authorized  to  make  additions  and  substitutions, 
should  any  person  be  not  inclined  to  serve,  as  may  be  regarded 
expedient  for  the  success  of  the  celebration.  And  it  was  then 
determined  that  the  Committee  should  hold  weekly  meetings 
for  the  purpose  of  perfecting  the  necessary  arrangements. 

At  the  meeting  on  September  16th,  Chairman  Sellers  added 
the  names  of  J.  George  Hintz,  John  D.  Mishler,  and  Samuel  D. 
Dibert  to  the  General  Committee.  The  views  of  the  several 
members  on  the  proposed  celebration  were  expressed,  and  Mr. 
Mishler  submitted  a program  of  festivities  for  an  entire  week, 
beginning  June  5,  1898.  This  program  was  laid  over  and  dis- 
cussed at  different  times  until  November  5,  1897,  when  it  was 
adopted.  On  September  30,  1897,  the  Chairman  was  author- 
ized to  enlarge  the  General  Committee  as  it  became  necessary. 

On  October  15,  1897,  the  General  Committee  was  named  the 
Executive  Committee,  and  the  following  permanent  officers 


EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE. 


219 


were  elected:  James  P.  Sellers,  president;  Thomas  P.  Merritt, 
treasurer;  and  Eugene  P.  Stofer,  secretary.  And  on  November 
12th,  the  chairmen  of  the  respective  committees  were  announced 
by  the  President. 

Upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Statistics  of 
the  Board  of  Trade,  Morton  L.  Montgomery,  Esq.,  was  author- 
ized to  compile  a History  of  Reading,  which  was  to  include  the 
proceedings  relating  to  the  Sesqui-Centennial. 

The  Executive  Committee  held  weekly  meetings,  and  the 
several  committees  met  frequently  to  make  the  necessary  ar- 
rangements in  their  respective  departments  for  a proper  obser- 
vance of  the  Sesqui-Centennial.  The  headquarters  were  estab- 
lished in  the  rooms  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  which  were  in  the 
Wanner  Building  at  Court  and  Reed  streets  from  April  1,  1897 
to  March  31,  1898,  and  then  in  the  Jacobs  Building,  No.  25 
North  Sixth  street. 

The  names  of  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  and 
its  officers,  and  also  of  the  several  committees  and  their  respec- 
tive officers,  regularly  appointed,  were  as  follows: — 

EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE. 

James  P.  Sellers,  President. 

Howard  L.  Boas,  Vice  President.  Thos.  P.  Merritt,  Treasurer. 

Eugene  P.  Stofer,  Secretary. 

Oscar  B.  Wetherhold  (Accommodations.) 

Charles  G.  Willson  (Bicycle  Parade.) 

Harry  L.  Hoffman  (Carriages.) 

Wellington  G.  Woods  (Cavalcade  and  Corso. ) 

Hon.  Jacob  Weidel  (City  Officials.) 

Harvey  J.  Fueller  (Civic  Demonstration.) 

Milton  H.  Schnader  (Colors.) 

Joshua  K.  Righter  (Courtesy.) 

Amos  K.  Kline  (Decorations.) 

Philip  Bissinger  (Electric.) 

John  D.  Mishler  (Finance.) 

John  E.  Spears  (Firemen.) 

William  H.  Luden  (Fireworks.) 

John  B.  Raser  (Former  Residents.) 

Calvin  K.  Whitner  (History.) 

Jenkin  Hill  (Illumination.) 


220 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


John  E.  Harbster  (Industrial.) 

C.  Raymond  Heizmann  (Insignia.) 

George  F.  Baer  (Invitation.) 

Israel  Cleaver  (Medical.) 

Samuel  Willits  (Military.) 

Thomas  P.  Merritt  (Music.) 

John  R.  Mast  (Official  Program.; 

J.  George  Hintz  (Patriotic  Demonstration.) 

Jerome  L.  Boyer  (Pioneers.) 

W.  Morris  Deisher  (Printing.) 

Howard  L.  Boas  (Program  of  Jubilee  Week.) 

Jacob  B.  Stout  (Publicity.) 

Samuel  D.  Dibert  (Railroads;  also  Design  of  Envelope.) 

David  McM.  Gregg  (Reception.) 

M.  Brayton  McKnight  (Regatta.) 

Ebenezer  Mackey  (School  Parade.) 

Charles  H.  Armour  (Signal  Corps.) 

Louis  Heilbron  (Water.) 

Henry  M.  Keim  (Woman’s.) 

Morton  L.  Montgomery  (Historian.) 

Israel  S.  Fry,  Harvey  F.  Heinley,  Charles  E.  Leippe, 
Jeremiah  G.  Mohn,  William  Templin. 

COMMITTEES. 

Accommodations. — O.  B.  Wethernold,  Chairman;  E.  Marsh  Brase- 
field,  vice  chairman;  S.  M.  Helms,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Wm.  H. 
Kessler,  J.  H.  Passmore,  James  H Renninger. 

Bicycle  Parade. — Charles  G.  Willson,  Chairman;  Geo.  Eckert,  vice 
chairman;  Glenson  J.  Althouse,  secretary;  Weston  W.  Wesley,  treas- 
urer; John  M.  Archer,  Peter  H.  Krick,  Daniel  Y.  Klapp,  C.  C.  Ludwig, 
Joseph  Martin,  John  Neubling,  George  A.  Sands,  Henry  F.  Seiders. 

Carriages. — Harry  L.  Hoffman,  Chairman;  J.  George  Hintz,  vice 
chairman;  Geo.  W.  Romig,  secretary;  Charles  E.  Leippe,  treasurer; 
Charles  H.  Armour,  Harvey  J.  Fueller. 

Cavalcade  and  Corso. — Wellington  G.  Woods,  Chairman;  David  P. 
Schlott,  vice  chairman;  Wm.  D.  Butler,  secretary  and  treasurer; 
Edward  A.  Auerbach,  John  M.  Archer,  John  Barbey,  Morris  R.  Boyer, 
Harry  C.  Boyer,  George  M.  Britton,  Walter  F.  Bush,  Henry  A.  Brown, 
J.  H.  Cheetham,  D.  Wellington  Dietrich,  Isaac  Eckert,  Wm.  B.  Eckert, 
Charles  J.  Hoff,  Harry  S.  High,  A.  H.  Kretz,  George  J.  Kessler, 
George  M.  Krick,  W.  Storm  Miller,  R.  D.  Millholland,  W.  Harry  Orr, 
J.  Ashton  Parker,  C.  E.  Schrader,  Wm.  J.  Schitler,  P.  R Stetson, 
William  Templin. 


COMMITTEES. 


221 


City  Officials.— Mayor  Jacob  Weidel,  Chairman;  S.  E.  Cummings 
and  Jacob  B.  Stout,  vice  chairmen;  E.  L.  Lindemuth,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer; John  M.  Archer,  John  H.  Bach,  J.  M.  Becker,  Daniel  Beidler,  Wm. 
Bitting,  H.  L.  Boas.  Amos  H.  Beard,  John  H.  Close,  Geo.  B.  Clouser, 

K.  H.  Cleaver,  A.  B.  Dundor,  Aaron  S.  Donkle,  Ed.  C.  Eben,  Jacob 
Etzel,  George  H.  Felix,  Howard  N.  Goodman,  Isaac  W.  Hull,  R.  B. 
Harris,  S.  S.  Hoff,  J.  Y.  Hoffman,  H.  H.  Hammer,  James  Hangen, 
Fred  P.  Heller,  Matthan  Harbster,  H L.  Johnson,  P.  Monroe  Krick, 
S.  L.  Kurtz,  Richard  L.  Lawrence,  Adam  H.  Leader,  Wm.  R.  Madden, 
John  H.  Mast,  Wm.  F.  Marcks,  Robert  D.  Millholland,  James  Morgan, 
Thomas  P.  Merritt,  John  Ashton  Parker,  Matthew  Rhoda,  John  A. 
Rauen,  Geo.  W.  Romig,  Abraham  F Reeser,  Wm.  J.  Rourke,  Jacob  B. 
Stout,  George  W.  Shaffer,  Charles  H.  Schaeffer,  Wm.  Templin,  Frank 
A.  Tyson,  Harry  J.  Wentzel,  W.  W.  Wunder,  Wm.  Abbott  Witman, 
Joseph  Witman,  Rufus  W.  Wolfskill,  James  P.  Yorgey. 

The  following  sub-committees  of  City  Officials  were  appointed: 
Badges: — Isaac  W.  Hull,  P.  Monroe  Krick,  William  H Bitting. 
Carriages: — Geo.  W.  Romig,  Robert  B.  Harris,  Wm.  R.  Madden, 
James  M.  Morgan. 

Electric  Lighting  and  Review  Stand: — James  P.  Yorgey,  George  W. 
Romig,  Jacob  B.  Stout,  S.  E.  Cummings,  Isaac  W.  Hull. 

Entertainment  and  Program: — Harry  J.  Wentzel,  Matthew  Rhoda, 
James  M.  Morgan,  James  P.  Yorgey,  S.  E.  Cummings,  Geo.  W.  Shaffer, 
John  H.  Mast,  R.  W.  Wolfskill,  Jacob  B.  Stout,  George  W.  Romig,  R. 

L.  Lawrence,  John  H.  Bach,  John  H.  Close,  John  M.  Archer,  Edward 
C.  Eben,  Wm.  W.  Wunder. 

Invitation: — Hon.  Jacob  Weidel,  Jacob  B.  Stout,  Samuel  E.  Cummings. 
Reception:  — George  B.  Clouser,  Howard  L Boas,  John  A.  Rauen, 
K.  H.  Cleaver,  R.  D.  Millholland,  William  Templin,  Robert  B.  Harris, 
H.  L.  Johnson,  Joseph  Witman,  Amos  H.  Beard,  J.  Ashton  Parker, 
Wm.  Abbott  Witman. 

Civic  Demonstration Harvey  J.  Fueller,  Chairman;  Howard  L.  Boas, 
vice  chairman;  Elmer  A.  German,  secretary  and  treasurer;  H.  R.  An- 
thony, Jerome  L.  Boyer,  C.  J.  Bonawitz,  H.  J.  Borkert,  R.  H.  Bortle,  L. 
Eddie  Bower,  S A.  Bechtel,  M.  A.  DeTurck,  John  De  Young,  Pfenry 
Etheridge,  W.  G.  Edwards,  Reuben  S Heckman,  J.  George  Hintz,  John 
J.  Kelly,  Stanley  L.  Krebs,  John  R.  Laucks,  E.  A.  C.  Lohman,  Herman 
Hermann,  I.  G Miller,  Frank  Menges,  E Ed.  Mellert,  Ellis  B.  Moyer, 
H.  J.  Pflum,  James  S Roland,  W.  H.  Still,  Jonas  A.  Schwoyer,  Jerome 
Seiders,  Samuel  Willits,  John  Weiler,  S.  J.  Weiler,  F.  M.  Yeager. 

Colors. — M.  H.  Schnader,  Chairman;  H M.  M.  Richards,  vice  chair- 
man; W.  Morris  Deisher,  secretary;  C.  Raymond  Heizmann,  treasurer; 
Harry  W.  Crooks,  Charles  E.  Leippe,  Wm.  Y.  Schmucker. 

Courtesy. — J.  K.  Righter,  Chairman;  Wm.  D Smith,  vice  chairman; 
A.  K.  Stauffer,  secretary;  Robert  P.  Shick,  treasurer;  Geo.  M.  Ammon, 
Geo.  W.  Ammon,  G.  W.  Alexander,  Louis  Adler,  Geo.  Bard,  W.  Howard 
Bright,  A.  J.  Brumbach,  C.  S.  Birch,  Jacob  Barbey,  John  L.  Bowman, 


222 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


John  F.  Boyer,  James  S.  Brusstar,  Lemon  Buch,  Charles  Breneiser,  Sr., 
Louis  Battenfelt,  Geo.  W.  Beard,  John  E Bubp,  F.  X.  Blessing,  Howard 

F.  Boyer,  W.  C.  Billman,  August  Bendel,  John  H.  Bach,  Amos  H. 
Beard,  Thomas  D.  Bausher,  W.  N.  Coleman,  Harry  Christensen,  W.  F. 
Curtis,  Albert  S.  Cohn,  Edward  Carroll,  Daniel  W.  Crouse,  Geo.  B. 
Clouser,  S.  E.  Cummings,  John  Close,  Joshua  Dives,  Harry  S.  Dibert, 

G.  H.  Delp,  C.  M.  Deem,  W.  P.  Deppen,  Thos.  K Dalzell,  Wilson  M. 
Dumn,  Henry  J.  Dumn,  Wm.  Dibert,  Nevin  M.  Davis,  C.  A.  Dougherty, 
Henry  Eppihimer,  James  P.  Esterly,  CharlesM.  Evans,  Charles  W.  Ed- 
wards, D.  S.  Esterly,  Harry  W.  Eisenbrown,  Philip  M.  Ermentrout, 
Jacob  Etzel,  L H.  Focht,  Aug.  S.  Flicker,  E.  W Fox,  Albert  J.  Fisher, 
J.  H Fett,  Nathaniel  Ferguson,  A.  W.  Fisher,  J.  S.  Fritz,  Jacob  B. 
Fricker,  Moses  K.  GraefF,  Christian  Ganster,  Edmund  Goldman,  John 
Gaenzle,  H.  K.  Gittleman,  John  O.  Glase,  James  K Getz,  Charles  C. 
Goodman,  H.  C.  Geissler,  Edwin  R.  Gerber,  George  K.  Grim,  A.  M. 
High,  Charles  K.  Hillegass,  A.  W.  Hoff,  Jesse  G.  Hawley,  Harry  H. 
Hillegass,  C.  L.  Hoff,  C.  W Hendel,  G.  S.  Herbein,  F.  W.  Hanold, 
Arthur  W.  Heim,  W.  H.  Hinnershitz,  H.  A.  Hoff,  F.  B.  Hay,  H.  C. 
Heller,  Samuel  Hantsch,  Hiram  L.  Henninger,  William  M.  Hiester, 
Fred.  P.  Heller,  Henry  B.  Hintz,  Albert  R.  Hoover,  Peter  S.  Holl,  Isaac 
W.  Hull,  Charles  H.  Hunter,  John  C.  Illig,  Richmond  L.  Jones,  S.  B. 
Jacobs,  R.  H.  Jones,  E.  W.  James,  H.  L.  Johnson,  Louis  Kraemer,  Jacob 
S.  Kline,  H.  D.  Kurtz,  E.  C.  Kern,  James  A.  Klees,  A.  N.  Kissinger, 
W.  B.  Krick,  John  J.  Kutz,  Geo.  L.  Kestner,  F.  Keffer,  Daniel  Y.  Klapp, 
J.  O.  Koller,  George  Kemp,  DeB.  Randolph  Keirn,  Frank  P.  Lauer, 
George  A.  Leinbach,  C.  H.  Leinbach.  Joseph  A.  Leinbach,  Geo.  W. 
Liess,  E.  S Lichtenthaeler,  C.  H.  Lichty,  W.  K.  Leitheiser,  B Y.  Landis, 
George  F.  Lance,  Ellsworth  Leinbach,  Wesley  K.  Loose,  F W.  Lauer, 
William  H.  Livingood,  William  Medlar,  E.  M.  Morgan,  George 
W.  Mayers,  Richard  G.  Mohn,  William  McCormick,  John  D.  Missimer, 
John  G.  Mohn,  Ralph  H.  Mengel,  William  R.  Mcllvain,  William  S. 
Mohr,  William  H.  Moyer,  T.  P.  Moore,  J.  Fred.  Mayer,  Charles  Maerz, 
George  R.  Maltzberger,  J.  Harry  Moyer,  Morris  H.  Milmore,  Daniel 
Miller,  J.  H.  Maltzberger,  John  R.  Mast,  Calvin  D.  Moser,  John  G* 
Niethammer,  William  Nolan,  W.  Harry  Orr,  James  A.  O’Reilly, 
Hugh  O’Donnell,  H.  L.  O’Brien,  George  S.  Pomeroy,  A.  Tyson 
Phillippi,  G.  D.  Packer,  Allen  C.  Paine,  Charles  W.  Potteiger, 
John  H.  Printz,  Levi  Quier,  Charles  Rick,  James  Rick,  John  Rick, 
James  T.  Reber,  James  C.  Reber,  John  W.  Rauch,  John  H.  Rother- 
mel,  John  A.  Rigg,  Milford  N.  Ritter,  Walter  G.  Roland,  C.  H.  Ruhl, 
William  J.  Rourke,  B.  F.  Ruth,  Charles  Rentschler,  Jr.,  Matthew 
Rhoda,  George  W.  Romig,  Lambert  A Rehr,  William  Rosenthal,  E. 
D.  Smith,  C.  F.  Steinmetz,  Aaron  B.  Stein,  J.  S.  Shade,  W.  Kerper 
Stevens,  John  C.  Stocker,  Frank  C.  Smink,  Clarence  Sembower, 
Sigmund  S.  Schweriner.  Harvey  H.  Shomo,  John  G.  Spatz,  Fred 
A.  Schmucker,  Jacob  H.  Stein,  E B Strohecker,  Wm.  Sterrett,  Benja- 
min Saylor,  E.  H.  Shearer,  Y\  illiam  F.  Shanaman,  John  D.  Strunk, 
Francis  F.  Seidel,  Charles  A.  Sheidy,  Mahlon  Shaaber,  John  B.  Shultz, 


COMMITTEES. 


223 


Henry  Schofer,  Edward  Scull,  M.  C.  Sigmund,  P.  R.  Stetson,  D.  E 
Schroeder,  R.  H.  Savage,  Horatio  Trexler,  Jacob  Truby,  A.  Thalheimer, 
George  E.  Tyson,  Wellington  Van  Reed,  George  A.  Wanner,  Manoah 
S.  Weiler,  Ferdinand  Winter,  E.  S.  Wertz,  Fred  H.  Witman,  Frederick 
Weilandt,  F.  W.  Woolworth,  George  W.  Wolf,  John  Weiler,  Wellington 
G.  Woods.  Horace  A.  Yundt,  William  H Yocum,  W.  C.  Yoder, 
Henry  S.  Yocum,  Walter  S.  Young,  H.  W.  Zimmerman. 

Decorations. — Ames  K.  Kline,  Chairman;  Henry  M.  Keim,  vice  chair- 
man; Thomas  B.  Illig,  treasurer;  Aaron  K.  Kline,  secretary;  Jerome  I. 
Kline,  Frank  M.  Rieser,  Alexander  F.  Smith. 

Design  of  Envelope.  — Samuel  D.  Dibert,  Chairman;  W.  Morris 
Deisher,  Howard  L.  Boas. 

Electrical  Display. — Philip  Bissinger,  Chairman;  J.  Lew  Rake,  secre- 
tary and  treasurer;  Arthur  Arrowsmith,  J.  Douglass  Hippie,  C.  C.  Long. 

Fmance — John  D.  Mishler,  Chairman;  Milton  H.  Schnader,  vice 
chairman;  Henry  W.  Snyder,  secretary;  Thomas  P.  Merritt,  treasurer; 
George  M.  Britton,  Samuel  D.  Dibert,  Israel  S.  Fry,  C.  Raymond  Heiz- 
mann,  Charles  S.  Prizer,  William  F.  Remppis,  C.  K.  Whitner,  James  W. 
Yocum. 

Firemen's  Parade— John  E.  Spears,  Chairman;  W.  W.  Wunder,  vice 
chairman,  (Keystone);  John  S.  Weber,  secretary,  (Riverside);  S.  E. 
Ancona,  treasurer,  (Hampden);  T.  D.  Bausher,  (Friendship);  F.  C. 
Clemson,  (Neversink);  E.  C.  Eben,  (Junior);  Edward  Elbert,  (Wash- 
ington); Aug.  Gring,  (Marion);  Harry  Heath,  (Schuylkill);  William 
Leitheiser,  (Rainbow);  William  Meyer,  (Liberty);  George  C.  Obold, 
(Reading). 

Fireworks. — Wm.  H.  Luden,  Chairman;  Charles  E.  Leippe,  first  vice 
chairman;  Daniel  F.  Ancona,  second  vice  chairman;  W.  W.  Light,  sec- 
retary; James  W.  Yocum,  treasurer. 

Former  Residents. — John  B.  Raser,  Chairman;  Walter  S Davis,  vice 
chairman;  W.  W.  Light,  secretary;  Henry  M.  Keim,  treasurer;  Harry  J. 
Hayden,  William  Mcllvain,  William  H.  Livingood,  Charles  Rick,  C.  A. 
Weida,  W.  Frazier  Wootten. 

Club  of  New  York: — William  Weis,  Chairman;  Samuel  S.  Mosser, 
secretary;  T.  T.  Eckert,  Jr.,  treasurer;  William  F.  Ganster,  William  H. 
Heilig,  Charles  L.  Raser,  Wm.  H.  Raser,  Charles  R.  Saul,  Jos.  P.  Kuhn. 

Club  of  Philadelphia:— S.  S.  Raser,  Chairman;  F.  Marvin  Yager, 
secretary;  G.  Prentice  Raser,  treasurer;  J.  Y.  Heckman,  Daniel  Hertzog, 
William  McKissick,  Alexander  N.  Stewart. 

Club  of  Pittsburg: — J.  W.  Jackson,  Chairman;  John  B.  Dampman, 
secretary. 

Club  of  Lebanon: — Lucien  E.  Weimer,  Chairman. 

History  of  Reading  — C.  K.  Whitner,  Chairman;  J.  George  Hintz, 
vice  chairman;  W.  S.  S Coleman,  secretary;  D.  F Dietrich,  treasurer; 
Morton  L.  Montgomery,  historian;  Cyrus  T.  Fox,  John  D.  Mishler, 
Thomas  P.  Merritt,  James  P.  Sellers. 


224 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Illumination. — Jenkin  Hill,  Chairman;  T.  M.  Keppelman,  secretary; 

C.  H.  Leinbach,  treasurer;  A.  W.  Arrowsmith,  R.  J.  Calm.  W.  D. 
Fichthorn 

Industrial  Parade : — John  E Harbster,  Chairman;  James  R.  Kenney, 
vice  chairman;  Robert  P.  Shick,  secretary;  E.  W.  Alexander,  treasurer; 
George  W.  Beard,  Jacob  F.  Custer,  A A.  Gery,  Isaac  Hamilton,  Wil- 
liam Hutchison,  Matthan  Harbster,  P S.  Klees,  John  G.  Mohn,  John 
R.  Miller,  William  H.  Mohn,  Charles  S Prizer,  Levi  Quier,  George  W. 
Raudenbush,  H M.  Sternbergh,  William  H.  Schick,  John  Wr.  Smith, 
A.  Thalheimer,  Isaac  Treat,  Harry  C.  Weber,  Henry  Zabel. 

Insignia. — C.  Raymond  Heizmann,  Chairman;  G.  A.  Schlechter,  vice 
chairman;  Irwin  S.  Ermentrout,  secretary;  J.  K.  Righter,  treasurer;  R. 
H.  Bortle,  Harry  C.  W^eber 

Invitation. — George  F.  Baer,  Chairman;  David  McM.  Gregg,  secretary 
and  treasurer:  Hon.  James  N.  Ermentrout,  Hon  G.  A.  Endlich,  S E. 
Ancona,  Isaac  Hiester,  Henry  M Muhlenberg,  William  D.  Smith. 

Medical. — Israel  Cleaver,  Chairman;  William  F.  Marcks,  vice  chair- 
man; J.  W.  Keiser,  secretary  and  treasurer;  D.  B.  D.  Beaver,  Henry 
Landis,  Howard  S.  Reeser,  H.  F.  Schantz,  J.  K.  Seaman. 

Music — Thomas  P.  Merritt,  Chairman;  Theodore  I.  Heizmann,  vice 
chairman;  Walter  A,  Chafey,  secretary  and  treasurer;  E.  A.  Berg,  chorus 
conductor;  Walter  A.  Boas,  William  Benbow,  W.  J.  Baltzell,  W.  S.  Davis, 
H.  E Fahrbach,  M.  H.  Keller,  Walter  Heaton,  J.  G.  McGowan,  Stanley 
L.  Krebs,  Willoughby  S.  Wrilde,  F.  S.  Livingood,  T.  C.  Zimmerman. 

Official  Program — John  R.  Mast  Chairman;  Harvey  F.  Heinly,  vice 
chairman;  Kurtz  A.  Fichthorn,  secretary;  G.  A.  Schlechter,  treasurer;  D. 
K.  Hoch,  George  T.  Wink. 

Patriotic  Demonstration. — J.  George  Hintz,  Chairman;  Jenkin  Hill, 
vice  chairman;  Harvey  J.  Fueller,  secretary;  John  R.  Mast,  treasurer; 
John  H.  Bach,  Howard  L.  Boas,  John  H.  Close,  Samuel  D.  Dibert, 
Kurtz  A.  Fichthorn,  George  H.  Felix,  JohnE.  Harbster,  Harry  L.  Hoff- 
man, D.  K.  Hoch,  S.  S.  Hoff,  Otto  Hertwig,  James  M.  Hutchison,  B. 
F.  Hunsicker,  Harry  G.  Johnson,  Henry  M.  Keim,  George  Wr.  Keim, 
Wm.  H.  Luden,  Harry  A.  Leinbach,  Thomas  P.  Merritt,  W.  S.  Miller, 
Emil  Neubling,  William  A.  Ribble,  Jr.,  Geo  W.  Romig,  I.  Rambo, 
Jr.,  Frank  A.  Tyson,  Samuel  Willits,  Wm.  Abbott  Witman,  O.  B. 
Wetherhold. 

Piotieers. — Jerome  L.  Boyer,  Chairman;  John  R.  Miller,  vice  chairman; 
John  H.  Keppelman,  secretary;  Jeremiah  G.  Mohn,  treasurer;  John  C. 
Arthur,  Elijah  Auman,  Charles  S.  Bachman,  Adam  Bard,  D.  Llewellyn 
Beaver,  Charles  S.  Birch,  Franklin  G.  Boas,  William  Call,  Matthias 
Gondert,  Horace  Griscom,  W^ayne  Hartenstine,  Benneville  Hemmig, 
John  H.  Hemmig,  John  Hendel,  Charles  Henninger,  Henry  D.  High, 
Jacob  S.  Hillegass,  Horatio  Jones,  Conrad  Kaltenbach,  Henry  M.  Keim, 
Henry  Koch,  Isaac  McHose,  George  Muth,  William  H.  Norton,  Edward 

D.  Smith,  William  M.  Stauffer,  J.  Hervey  Sternbergh,  Horatio  Trexler. 


COMMITTEES. 


225 


Pnntifig  — W.  Morris  Deisher,  Chairman;  Jonathan  G.  Leinbach,  vice 
chairman;  Charles  E.  Leippe,  secretary  and  treasurer;  John  H.  Keppel- 
man,  C.  K.  Whitner. 

Program  of  Jtibilee  Week. — Howard  L.  Boas,  Chairman;  Philip 
Bissinger,  vice  chairman;  Harvey  J.  Fueller,  John  D.  Mishler,  William 
Templin. 

Publicity. — Jacob  B.  Stout,  Chairman;  Isaac  W.  Hull,  vice  chairman; 
E.  L.  Lindemuth,  secretary;  Howard  N.  Goodman,  treasurer;  George 
B.  Clouser,  John  Weiler. 

Railroads  and  Transportation  — Samuel  D.  Dibert,  Chairman; 
Charles  H Armour,  secretary;  J.  Harry  Leippe,  treasurer;  Edgar  W. 
Alexander,  John  H.  Bach,  Albert  Broden,  David  B.  Courtney,  George 
B.  Connard,  John  H.  Close,  Abner  S.  Deysher,  Hayes  Dickinson,  Fred 
A.  Dickinson,  Hiram  K.  Getz,  Joseph  P.  Griest,  C Raymond  Heizmann, 
Fredric  P.  Heller,  Harry  S.  High,  G.  Howard  Hart,  William  B. 
Harper,  Lewis  Horton,  Jr.,  G Nicholas  Jacobi,  Harry  G.  Johnson, 
James  A.  Klees,  L F.  Kraemer,  R.  B.  Kinsey,  John  Keppelman,  Irvin 
J.  Lerch,  Frank  P.  Lauer,  J.  H.  Leonard,  Charles  L.  Lyon,  Morris  H. 
Milmore,  Benjamin  F.  Miller,  Matthias  Moyer,  J.  Allison  Orr,  Charles 
S.  Prizer,  John  H.  Passmore,  H M.  M.  Richards,  John  A.  Rigg,  George 
M.  Supplee,  Frank  C.  Smink,  Alfred  G.  Weile,  Casper  J.  Wickersham, 
John  C Wobensmith. 

Reception  — David  McM.  Gregg,  Chairman;  Hon.  H.  Willis  Bland, 
vice  chairman;  Louis  Richards,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Elijah  Bull, 
John  Barbey,  Edwin  Boone,  George  F.  Baer,  J.  H.  Cheetham,  Cyrus  G. 
Derr,  Josiah  Dives,  George  B.  Eckert,  Ferdinand  Goetz,  Matthan 
Harbster,  Theodore  I Heizmann,  F.  S.  Jacobs,  Fred  S.  Jones,  Henry  M. 
Keim,  Jonathan  G.  Leinbach,  A.  Howard  Merritt,  John  R.  Miller, 
Jonathan  Mould,  James  Nolan,  J.  Lancaster  Repplier,  J.  Hervey 
Sternbergh,  Charles  H.  Schaeffer,  Hon.  Jacob  Weidel. 

Regatta — M.  Brayton  McKnight,  Chairman;  Douglas  W.  Anderson, 
vice  chairman;  William  C.  Hinkley,  secretary  and  treasurer;  Harry  B. 
Steffe,  C.  Fred  Fichthorn,  James  S.  Roland. 

School  Parade. — Ebenezer  Mackey,  Chairman;  Rev  George  Borne- 
mann,  vice  chairman;  R.  A.  Townsend,  secretary;  Miss  Mary  H.  Mayer, 
treasurer;  A.  Bartels,  James  Kase,  M.  E.  Scheibner,  Frederick  Stephan, 
J.  Ed.  Wanner,  George  W.  Wagner. 

Signal  Corps — Charles  H.  Armour,  Chairman;  James  C.  Johnson, 
secretary;  J.  K.  Righter,  treasurer;  John  E.  Spears,  J.  F.  Albrecht. 

Water. — Louis  Heilbron,  Chairman;  George  F.  Felix,  John  Nuebling, 
Henry  H.  Roland. 

Woman's  Committee. — Henry  M.  Keim,  Chairman;  Mrs.  Daniel 
Ermentrout,  chief  director;  Mrs.  William  R.  Mcllvain,  vice  director; 
Mrs.  John  B.  Dampman,  secretary;  Mrs.  John  D.  Mishler,  treasurer 

The  following  sub-committees  were  appointed: 


226 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Accommodations:— Mrs.  J.  Wilhelm  Hartmann,  Chairwoman;  Mrs. 
Henry  Bushong,  Mrs.  Samuel  D.  Dibert,  Mrs.  Fanny  Ferguson,  Mrs. 
William  Kauffman,  Mrs.  George  M.  Krick,  Mrs.  J.  Mould,  Mrs.  A.  T. 
Phillippi,  Mrs.  Levi  Quier,  Mrs.  J.  K.  Righter,  Mrs.  John  Rick,  Mrs. 
Minerva  E.  Richards,  Mrs.  H.  C.  G.  Reber,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Richards,  Mrs. 
Matthew  Rhoda,  Mrs.  Jefferson  Snyder,  Mrs.  James  P.  Sellers,  Mrs.  G. 
B.  Stevens,  Mrs.  D.  N.  Schaeffer,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Schaeffer,  Mrs.  John.  E. 
Spears,  Mrs.  Jacob  B.  Stout,  Mrs.  H.  Strecker,  Mrs.  A.  Thalheimer,  Mrs. 
J.  H.  Thamm,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Tyson,  Mrs.  Wm.  Abbott  Witman,  Mrs 
Samuel  Willits,  Mrs.  C.  K.  Whitner,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Wagner,  Mrs.  P.  D. 
Wanner. 

Carriages:— Mrs.  James  Rick,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  W.  A.  Arnold,  Mrs. 
John  Barbey,  Mrs.  George  F.  Baer,  Mrs  George  M.  Britton,  Mrs.  Philip 
Bissinger.  Mrs.  J.  H.  Craig,  Mrs.  Thomas  Dalzell,  Mrs.  Josiah  Dives, 
Mrs.  George  B.  Eckert,  Mrs.  Isaac  Eckert,  Mrs.  Matthan  Harbster,  Mrs. 
H.  A.  Hoff,  Mrs.  Charles  Hoff,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Jacobs,  Mrs.  Jos.  P.  Kremp, 
Mrs.  Amos  K.  Kline,  Mrs.  Wm.  H.  Luden,  Mrs.  Jeremiah  G.  Mohn, 
Mrs.  J.  A.  O’Reilly,  Mrs.  John  A.  Rigg,  Mrs.  J T.  Reber,  Mrs.  John  B. 
Raser,  Mrs.  J.  Hervey  Sternbergh,  Mrs.  F.  C.  Smink,  Mrs.  A.  Wilhelm, 
Mrs.  Thomas  Willson. 

Decoration:— Mrs.  John  D;  Mishler,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  Raphael 
Austrian,  Mrs  Samuel  Addison,  Mrs.  Edwin  Boone,  Mrs.  Annie  Camp- 
bell, Mrs.  Israel  Cleaver,  Mrs.  H.  Connard,  Mrs  J.  L.  Douglas,  Mrs. 
P.  Ermentrout,  Mrs.  George  Eltz,  Mrs  I.  S.  Fry,  Mrs.  Harvey  J.  Fueller, 
Mrs.  George  Grim,  Mrs.  Hiram  K.  Getz,  Mrs.  Howard  N.  Goodman, 
Mrs.  E.  E.  Hafer,  Mrs  Jacob  Hoff,  Mrs.  Fredric  P.  Heller,  Mrs.  J. 
George  Hintz,  Mrs.  Louis  Heilbron,  Mrs.  Charles  Jackson,  Mrs.  Henry 
Kauffman,  Mrs  Aaron  K.  Kline,  Mrs  Harry  Koller,  Mrs.  Annetta  Lerch, 
Mrs  J.  G.  Leinbach,  Mrs.  E.  L.  Lindemuth,  Mrs.  M.  Mengel,  Mrs.  C H. 
Ruhl,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Rothermel,  Mrs.  P.  C.  Sweeney,  Mrs.  D.  H.-Wingerd. 

Invitation: — Mrs.  Wm  R.  Mcllvain,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  J.  B Brooke, 
Mrs.  Cyrus  G.  Derr,  Mrs,  G.  A.  Endlich,  Mrs.  A.  G.  Green,  Mrs  W.  M. 
Hiester,  Mrs.  A.  A.  Heizmann,  Mrs.  Horatio  Jones,  Mrs.  Samuel  Kerper, 
Mrs.  J.  R.  Kaucher,  Mrs.  Jacob  Knabb,  Mrs.  Morton  L.  Montgomery,  Mrs. 
H.  H.  Muhlenberg,  Mrs.  Henry  Millholland,  Mrs.  W.  Heyward  Myers, 
Mrs.  William  Medlar,  Mrs.  James  McCarty,  Mrs.  John  McLenegan,  Mrs. 
G.  A.  Nicolls,  Mrs.  Horace  Roland,  Mrs.  Simon  Seyfert,  Mrs  Angeline 
Stewart,  Mrs.  P.  R.  Stetson,  Mrs.  T.  D.  Stichter,  Mrs.  Horatio  Trexler. 

Music:  — Mrs.  H.  E.  P.  Stewart,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  Jerome  L.  Boyer, 
Mrs.  G.  A.  Boyer,  Mrs.  Henry  S.  Dibert,  Mrs.  J.  P.  Griest,  Mrs.  Ferdi- 
nand Goetz,  Mrs.  Jenkin  Hill,  Mrs.  Felix  Kremp,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Livingood, 
Mrs  Paul  Millholland,  Mrs.  William  Madden,  Mrs.  John  R.  Mast,  Mrs. 
Harrison  Maltzberger,  Mrs.  Matthias  Moyer,  Mrs.  C.  W Potteiger,  Mrs. 
John  H.  Printz,  Mrs.  Elhannan  Schmucker,  Mrs.  G.  A Schlechter. 

Program: — Mrs.  John  B.  Dampman,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  D.  F.  Ancona, 
Mrs.  Charles  H.  Armour,  Mrs.  George  Bell,  Mrs.  Franklin  G.  Boas* 
Mrs.  C.  S.  Birch,  Mrs  S.  F.  Ebur,  Mrs.  Cyrus  T.  Fox,  Mrs.  George  H. 
Felix,  Mrs.  E.  R.  Gerber,  Mrs.  Jesse  G.  Hawley,  Mrs.  Howard  L.  Hoff- 


OFFICIAL  DESIGN. 


227 


man,  Mrs.  S.  S.  Hoff,  Mrs.  George  Haak,  Mrs.  J.  C.  A.  Hoffeditz,  Mrs. 
Fred.  S.  Jones,  Mrs.  R.  H Jones,  Mrs.  Harry  G.  Johnson,  Mrs  Charles 
E.  Leippe,  Mrs.  J.  D.  Missimer,  Mrs.  J.  H.  Maltzberger,  Mrs.  Ebenezer 
Mackey,  Mrs.  Mary  Millholland,  Mrs.  B.  F.  Owen,  Mrs.  Wm.  Rosenthal, 
Mrs.  Adam  B.  Rieser,  Mrs  Fred.  Spang,  Mrs  Morris  H.  Schaeffer,  Mrs 
M.  E.  Scheibner,  Mrs.  O.  B.  Wetherhold.  Mrs  T.  C.  Zimmerman. 

Reception:  -Mrs.  Daniel  Ermentrout,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  S.  E.  Ancona, 
Mrs  D.  B.  D.  Beaver,  Mrs.  G.  B.  Connard,  Mrs.  Wm.  H.  Clymer,  Mrs. 
John  B.  Dampman,  Mrs.  J De  Puy  Davis,  Mrs.  David  McM.  Gregg, 
Mrs.  James  K.  Getz,  Mrs.  H.  A.  Hunter,  Mrs.  J.  C.  Illig,  Mrs  R.  L. 
Jones,  Mrs.  Harry  M.  Keim,  Mrs.  DeB.  Randolph  Keim,  Mrs.  James  R. 
Kenney,  Mrs  J.  H.  Keppelman  Mrs.  Jacob  S.  Livingood,  Mrs.  Wm.  R. 
Mcllvain,  Mrs.  John  D.  Mishler,  Mrs.  Thomas  P Merritt,  Mrs.  J.  L. 
Repplier,  Mrs.  H.  Stephenson,  Mrs.  Wm.  F.  Shanaman.  Mrs.  C.  H. 
Tyson,  Mrs.  Jacob  Weidel.  Mrs.  W.  M Weidman. 

Ushers: — Mrs.  John  M.  Archer,  Chairwoman;  Mrs.  Howard  L.  Boas, 
Mrs.  O.  S.  Doolittle,  Mrs.  W.  Herbert  Ermentrout,  Mrs.  Nathaniel 
Ferguson,  Mrs.  Harry  H.  Hillegass,  Mrs.  John  J.  Kutz,  Mrs.  E.  M. 
Morgan,  Mrs.  Howard  Mcllvain,  Mrs.  Howard  Potts,  Mrs.  Edwin 
■Quier,  Mrs.  Wm.  Sevfert,  Mrs.  W.  W.  Seitzinger,  Mrs.  W.  Kerper  Stevens, 
Mrs.  George  A.  Wanner,  Mrs.  Charles  G.  Willson,  Mrs.  Philip  Zieber. 

Official  Design. — The  Committee  on  Official  Design,  Samuel 
D.  Dibert,  Chairman,  provided  an  historical  and  attractive 
•design  for  envelopes  and  letter-heads,  and  the  use  of  it  was 
encouraged  by  all  the  committeemen.  The  committee  supplied 
the  envelopes  with  the  design  printed  on  them,  distributing 
them  from  Dibert’ s Cigar  Factory,  and  large  quantities  were 
disposed  of  to  the  manufacturers  and  business  men  of  Reading. 
The  total  number  supplied  exceeded  700,000,  amounting  to 
three  car  loads.  Many  of  them  wrere  sent  to  all  civilized  parts 
of  the  world,  thereby  giving  the  proposed  celebration  of  the 
Sesqui-Centennial  a thorough  advertisement,  and  it  was  gener- 
ally complimented  here  and  elsewhere  as  one  of  the  neatest  and 
best  ways  of  publication  ever  devised  for  Reading.  It  was  a 
great  success.  The  accompanying  illustration  on  the  follow- 
ing page  represents  the  design. 

Committee  Work. — The  Executive  Committee,  and  the  thirty- 
two  committees  worked  nobly,  persistently  and  heartily  un- 
til the  third  day  of  June  to  make  the  proposed  anniversary  a 
grand  success,  and  too  much  cannot  be  said  in  commendation 
of  their  united  efforts  in  this  behalf.  The  president  of  the  Exec- 
utive Committee,  James  P.  Sellers,  distinguished  himself  as  a 
presiding  officer,  and  all  the  members  complimented  him  upon 


228 


HISTORY  OF  READING, 


COPYRIGHT  JBSZ  READING  ENGRAVING  CO. 


OFFICIAL  PROGRAM. 


229 


his  zeal  in  the  common  cause  for  our  flourishing  community, 
his  punctuality  at  all  the  meetings,  and  his  urbanity  and  fair- 
ness upon  all  occasions.  At  the  last  meeting,  on  the  day  named, 
the  members,  by  way  of  appreciating  his  official  conduct,  pre- 
sented him  with  a badge  of  exquisite  design.  All  the  chairmen 
of  committees  showed  a similar  spirit  and  it  was  commonly  ad- 
mitted that  all  were  well  chosen  and  remarkably  efficient  in  this 
respect.  Much  ability  was  necessarily  displayed,  and  the  daily 
commendation  from  everybody  during  the  several  and  respect- 
ive parades,  receptions,  entertainments  and  exhibitions  was  in- 
deed conclusive  evidence  of  the  complete  success  of  the  under- 
taking. The  condition  of  the  weather  for  one  whole  week  was 
ideal,  even  marvellous,  for  rain  visited  all  the  sections  of  the 
country  surrounding  Reading  ten  and  fifteen  miles  distant,  but 
none  here.  Each  succeeding  day,  with  success  in  every  depart- 
ment of  the  public  demonstration,  brought  joy  to  the  people 
and  congratulations  to  the  Committee;  and  when  the  last  day 
passed  and  the  last  beams  of  the  piercing  search-lights  faded  in 
the  darkness  of  midnight,  the  general  sentiments  were  grand  ! 
brilliant  ! ! admirable  1 ! ! 

Official  Program. — -The  Executive  Committee  selected  the 
second  week  of  June,  1898,  from  Sunday,  the  5th,  to  Saturday, 
the  nth,  for  celebrating  the  Sesqui-Centennial  of  Reading, 
and  adopted  the  following  program  for  a proper  observance  of 
the  anniversary,  which  had  been  submitted  by  John  D.  Mishler 
and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Program: 

Sunday , June  yth , Opening  Day. — Morning. — Services  in 
all  churches  at  the  usual  hours,  with  sermons  appropriate  to  the 
occasion.  Afternoon. — From  3 to  5 o’clock,  band  concerts 
at  Penn  Common,  Mineral  Spring  Park,  Fifth  and  Penn  streets 
and  Lauer’s  Park,  in  charge  of  Committee  on  Music. 

Monday , June  6th,  Citizens'  Day. — Morning. — From  8 to  9 
o’clock,  patriotic  airs  on  the  chimes  of  Christ  Cathedral;  9 
o’clock,  sharp,  at  tap  of  fire  alarm,  blowing  steam  whistles  in 
Reading  for  five  minutes.  Public  Reception  of  visiting  city 
officials  by  Reading  city  officials  at  the  Court  House,  11  o’clock 
to  1 o’clock.  Afternoon. — Two  o’clock,  Civic  Parade,  com- 
prising secret  societies  and  lodges,  G.  A.  R.  and  military  or- 
ganizations, pioneers  and  old  citizens,  U.  S.  P.  O.  department 


230 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


officials  and  employees,  musical  societies,  religious  organiza- 
tions, and  social  clubs.  Evening. — Electrical  illumination  of 
Penn  street  from  Third  to  Eleventh,  which  shall  be  continued 
every  evening.  Electricity  will  be  furnished  by  the  Metropoli- 
tan Electric  Company  without  charge.  Eireworks  at  8.30 
o’clock,  on  Mt.  Penn  at  a favorable  spot,  so  as  to  be  seen  from 
nearly  all  parts  of  the  city. 

Tuesday , June  jth , Women' s and  Children' s Day. — Morn- 
ing.— Reception  at  Academy  of  Music  from  10  to  12  o’clock 
to  women  of  state  and  national  reputation.  Reception  at  Court 
House  from  11  o’clock  to  1 o’clock  to  State  Superintendent  of 
public  schools,  and  presidents  and  professors  of  colleges. — 
Afternoon. — Two  o’clock.  Parade  of  all  our  schools,  from 
Penn  Square  to  Penn  Common  and  return,  singing  national  airs 
on  the  way,  accompanied  by  bands  of  Reading.  Evening. — 
Grand  illumination  of  private  residences  and  business  places  all 
over  the  city;  also  illumination  with  search-lights  and  original 
aerial  novelties.  Open  air  choral  concert,  500  voices,  and  Ger- 
mania Band  in  Penn  Common. 

Wednesday , June  8th , Firemen' s Day. — Morning. — Recep- 
tion at  Court  House  from  11  o’clock  to  1 o’clock  to  Members 
of  Congress,  State  Senators,  Members  of  House  of  Representa- 
tives from  Berks  county,  and  presidents  of  Boards  of  Trade  of 
eastern  Pennsylvania.  Afternoon. — One  o’clock,  Magnifi- 
cent Parade  of  Fire  Department  of  the  city  and  invited  guests. 

Thursday , June  <?th,  Industrial  Day. — Morning. — Recep- 
tion at  Court  House  from  11  o’clock  to  1 o’clock  to  Governor 
of  Pennsylvania  and  staff,  Judges  of  Supreme  and  Superior 
Courts,  and  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  and  Orphans’  Courts, 
heads  of  departments  of  State  government,  Governors  of  ad- 
joining states.  Afternoon. — Two  o’clock.  Grand  Industrial 

Parade  by  manufacturers  and  business  men  of  Reading. 

Friday , June  ioih , Equestrian  and  Bicycle  Day. — Morn- 
ing.— Reception  at  Court  House  from  11  o’clock  to  1 o’clock, 
Presidents,  Vice  Presidents  and  Boards  of  Directors  of  railroads 
of  eastern  Pennsylvania  and  connecting  railroads.  After- 
noon.— Half-past  one  o’clock.  Cavalcade  and  Corso.  Ride, 
drive,  and  display  of  private  horses,  carriages,  and  fancy  turn- 
outs, with  floral  and  ribbon  decorations.  Also  at  2.30  o’clock, 


ANNIVERSARY  PROCEEDINGS. 


23L 


Bicycle  races  in  Reading  Driving  Park.  Evening. — Eight 
o’clock.  Bicycle  Flambeau  Parade,  artistic  and  comical,  senti- 
mental and  elegant. 

Saturday , June  nth , Everybody' s Day. — Dawn. — Men,, 
women  and  children  in  pursuit  of  ancient  custom  of  marketing 
before  daylight.  Afternoon. — Regatta  and  serenata  on 
Schuylkill  River,  terminating  the  festivities. 


PART  III. ANNIVERSARY  PROCEEDINGS. 

The  foregoing  program  was  carried  out  in  a most  admirable  • 
and  satisfactory  manner.  Most  of  the  stores,  business  places,, 
factories  and  dwellings  in  all  parts  of  the  city  were  beautifully 
decorated  with  the  national  flag,  and  with  bunting  in  national 
colors,  and  a number  of  places  displayed  also  the  city  colors  and 
city  flag,  adopted  by  the  Executive  Committee.  The  electric 
illumination  on  Penn  street  was  superb  and  won  the  expressed 
admiration  of  everybody  in  the  city.  It  was  unique  in  charac- 
ter and  contributed  a great  deal  toward  the  success  of  the  anni- 
versary. And  for  the  first  time  in  public  demonstrations  on  Penn 
street,  the  people  remained  on  the  side-walks.  The  decorations 
on  both  sides  of  Penn  street  from  Third  to  Eleventh  were  par- 
ticularly attractive  and  several  buildings  are  worthy  of  special 
mention  on  account  of  their  brilliant  electric  illumination: — 
Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart’s,  Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co’s,  and 
C.  K.  Whitner  & Co’s.  The  headquarters  of  the  Executive 
Committee,  No.  25  North  Sixth  street,  were  profusely  decorated 
with  flags  and  bunting  and  the  city  colors,  and  the  word  “wel- 
come” was  shown  every  night  in  gas  jets  along  the  second  story 
windows.  A similar  display  of  this  word  was  made  over  the 
entrance  to  Dibert’s  Hall  at  Ninth  and  Penn  streets;  and  the 
Consumers  Gas  Co.  presented  an  illuminated  national  flag  be- 
fore their  office,  No.  20  North  Fifth  street. 

The  days  set  apart  for  the  jubilee  in  detail  were  observed  and 
celebrated  in  the  following  manner. 

SUNDAY,  JUNE  5TH. 

In  pursuance  of  the  request  of  the  Executive  Committee,  ad- 
dressed to  the  respective  pastors  of  all  the  churches  in  Reading, 
appropriate  sermons  were  delivered  during  the  morning  at  the 


232 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


accustomed  time,  and  prayers  were  offered  to  the  Almighty 
Father  for  the  many  blessings  bestowed  upon  the  community, 
as  manifested  in  various  ways  by  the  continued  health,  growth, 
peace  and  prosperity  of  the  people  during  the  past  one  hundred 
and  fifty  years. 

In  the  afternoon,  concerts  of  sacred  music  were  held  at  four 
prominent  points  of  the  city,  and  they  were  all  largely  attended, 
particularly  in  Penn  Common.  The  Ringgold  Band  was  in 
Penn  square;  the  Germania  Band  in  Penn  Common;  the  Ath- 
letic Band  in  Mineral  Spring  Park,  and  the  Liberty  Band  in 
Lauer’s  Park,  all  giving  their  services  gratuitously.  The 
sociability,  exemplary  deportment  and  good  order  that  prevailed 
at  the  public  places  mentioned  were  remarkable,  and  taken  to- 
gether they  expressed  the  true  character  of  the  community. 

MONDAY,  JUNE  6TH. 

Morning. — At  nine  o’clock  in  the  morning,  after  the  fire  alarm 
had  struck  its  customary  tap,  many  steam  whistles  of  the  num- 
erous industrial  establishments  of  the  city  were  sounded  for  five 
minutes,  and  they  together  indicated  in  a most  emphatic  manner 
the  united  efforts  of  the  people  in  behalf  of  the  great  jubilee 
and  their  joyful  spirit  upon  this  extraordinary  occasion.  The 
chimes  of  Christ  Cathedral  were  rung  by  Harry  D.  Berlin, 
chimer.  There  were  twelve  selections  which  included  the  na- 
tional airs  and  other  popular  pieces,  and  the  clear  tones  of  the 
bells  rang  out  their  inspiring  notes  apparently  more  sweetly 
than  since  first  rung  twenty-five  years  ago.  The  condition  of 
the  atmosphere  was  just  suited  to  the  occasion  and  everybody 
was  delighted,  especially  the  anxious  members  of  the  Executive 
Committee. 

A reception  in  the  main  room  of  the  Court  House  from  eleven 
o’clock  in  the  morning  to  one  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  was  held 
by  Hon.  Jacob  Weidel,  Mayor,  and  he  extended  a cordial  wel- 
come to  a large  number  of  visiting  officials.  The  imposing 
front  of  the  building  and  also  the  bench  at  the  east  end  of  the 
court  room  were  decorated  in  a handsome  manner,  surpassing 
all  previous  decorations,  and  the  Germania  Band  discoursed  a 
fine  program  of  music.  Delegations  were  present  from  Lan- 
caster, Lebanon,  Harrisburg,  West  Chester,  Altoona,  and  Wil- 
mington. 


HEAD  OF  CIVIC  PARADE,  JUNE  6,  1898. 


CIVIC  PARADE. 


233 


CIVIC  PARADE. 

Afternoon. — The  Civic  Parade  moved  promptly  at  two  o’clock 
at  the  tap  of  the  fire  alarm.  The  route  was  from  Second  and 
Penn  on  the  north  side  of  Penn  to  Perkiomen  avenue,  south 
and  east  on  Perkiomen  avenue  to  Seventeenth  street,  to  the 
right,  west  on  Perkiomen  avenue  to  Penn,  south  side  of  Penn  to 
Fifth,  east  side  of  South  Fifth  to  Pine,  to  the  right,  west  side 
of  Fifth,  to  Franklin,  to  Fourth,  to  Penn  and  dismissed;  and 
the  order  of  the  parade  was  as  follows: 

LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Chief  Marshal— Harvey  J.  Fueller. 

Chief  of  Staff— Howard  L.  Boas,  and  assistant,  Ellis  B.  Moyer.  Dis- 
patch Bearers — B.  F.  Austrian,  W.  C.  Billman,  George  W.  Billman, 
Robert  P.  Shick. 

Aids— J.  George  Hintz,  Frank  Menges,  Rev.  Stanley  L.  Krebs,  C.  Ed. 
Mellert,  Charles  H.  Hunter,  William  B.  Eckert,  Howard  Bright,  Jenkin 
Hill,  Charles  H.  Shick,  Frank  I.  Rauch,  Harry  S.  High,  Frank  Heilman, 
Daniel  K.  Hoch,  Charles  G.  Willson,  Robert  D.  Millholland,  Harvey  F. 
Heinly,  William  S.  Monver,  John  H.  Keppelman,  Harry  L.  Moyer, 
Edson  B.  Luigard,  William  H.  Luden,  Wellington  D.  Dundore,  William 
H.  Thornley,  Irvin  G.  Miller,  J.  Harry  Moyer,  Peter  S.  Braucher,  David 
C.  Lotz,  Henry  B.  Hintz,  Charles  E.  Leippe,  James  S.  Ammon,  Edward 
M.  Luden,  Edgar  W.  Alexander,  Edward  DeLong,  Wellington  G. 
Woods,  James  M.  Hutchison,  Howard  S.  Baker,  Samuel  S.  Hoff. 

First  Defenders,  ( 14  in  carriages, ) with  the  famous  flag  which  was 
carried  by  the  Ringgold  Light  Artillery,  when  the  company  went  to 
Washington,  D.  C.,  in  April,  1861,  in  response  to  the  call  for  troops, 
labelled  “First  Flag  of  the  War;”  Commander,  Jeremiah  Seiders. 

Germania  band,  M.  A.  Althouse,  leader,  35  men. 

Executive  Committee,  James  P.  Sellers,  Chairman;  City  Officials  and 
Councilmen  and  the  visiting  Mayors  and  delegations  of  councils,  oc- 
cupying together  25  carriages. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Military: — Marshal,  Capt.  F.  M.  Yeager;  guide,  B.  B.  Weidner;  aids, 
Dr.  F.  L.  DeGour,  Harry  Gable,  Samuel  Donahower;  bugler,  Jonas 
Montgomery;  color  bearer,  John  Snyder. 

McLean  Post,  No.  16,  G.  A.  R.,  commander,  Edward  Auman,  Bur- 
key’s  Band  of  Hamburg;  Keim  post,  No.  76,  G A.  R.,  commander, 
Lee  C.  Bricker;  Meade  Camp  Guard,  No  16,  Sons  of  Veterans,  Capt. 
Harry  Eisenbise,  Althouse’s  band,  of  Shoemakersville;  Meade  Camp, 
No.  16,  Sons  of  Veterans,  Capt.  George  Eckert;  Delegates  of  Camp 
Guard  of  Camp  233,  Easton;  Camp  Guard  of  Sedgwick  Rifles,  Lebanon; 
Battalion,  1st  regiment  United  States  Reserves.  Boys’  Brigade,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  S.  J.  Weiler;  Lieut.  Col.,  Harry  Wieand;  Adjutant, 
H.  S.  Ficthorn;  Quartermaster,  Ed.  Stoekel;  Sergt.  Major,  H.  Yocum; 


234 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Chief  Musician,  Harry  Gossler;  Color  Sergt.,  Cyrus  High;  Boys’  drum 
corps,  Newmanstown;  xst  battalion,  Major  H.  Althouse. — Co.  B.,  Capt. 
William  Hinckley. — Co.  C.,  Capt.  John  E.  Hinckley. — Co.  G.,  Capt. 
Marsh. — Co.  L.,  Capt.  Richard  Boddy;  Fleetwood  Guards;  2d  Battalion, 
Major  H.  S.  Homan  — Co.  F.,  Lieut  Jones. — Co.  D.,  Capt.  Fred  Weiler. 
— Co.  I.,  Capt.  H.  W.  W.isler;  Colors  and  Color  guards;  3d  Battalion, 
Major  William  Houck. — Co.  E.,  Capt  Harry  G.  Johnson. — Co.  M.,  Lieut. 
Charles  Lessig. — Co.  K.,  Lieut.  Charles  Kinsey;  and  40  men  drawing  a 
piece  of  artillery,  which  was  borrowed  from  the  2d  Artillerists, 
Philadelphia. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Post  Office:  Marshal,  Postmaster,  John  S Thompson;  guide,  Ray- 
mond Diehl;  aids,  W.  F.  Kinch,  Jerome  Seiders  and  Charles  W. 
Hoover. 

Alpha  drum  corps;  Post  office  clerks  and  letter  carriers  in  summer 
uniform.  The  clerks  wore  white  hats  and  yellow  gloves,  the  carriers 
white  gloves,  who  carried  their  mail  bags  and  wore  badges  bearing 
the  portrait  of  postmaster  Thompson. 

Printing: — Marshal,  Elmer  A.  German;  aids,  Allen  H.  Ray,  M. 
Luther  Mason,  Charles  S.  Butler,  William  M.  Bauman,  William  H. 
Rohrbach. 

Lewis  Cadet  Band;  Reading  Typographical  Union,  No.  86,  Capt. 
James  L.  Mast;  American  flag  and  a large  silvered  printer’s  stick. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Pioneers:  Marshal,  Jerome  L Boyer.  Eleven  carriages  containing 

54  pioneer  residents  of  Reading. 

Memorial  Post  of  Honor,  in  bearskin  caps,  gray  coats  and  duck 
trousers,  William  Cotterel,  captain;  Memorial  Guard,  Capt.  E.  Morris; 
Riverside  band;  Boys’  Brigade  drum  corps;  Baptist  Boys’  Brigade, 
Companies  A.  and  B.,  Capt.,  Benj.  Kreisher. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Odd  Fellows:— Marshal,  Jonas  Schmoyer;  guide  Charles  Buckwalter; 
aids,  Adam  Schlottman,  John  Babst,  Thomas  Morgan,  Milton  Shirey, 
H.  B.  Newpner,  S.  W.  Wenger,  John  Hand,  Thomas  Shanaman,  Wil- 
liam H.  Matz,  Charles  B.  Albright. 

Alburtis  band;  Col.  Rile,  Philadelphia,  1st  regiment,  Patriarch  Militant 
and  staff;  Col.  A.  W.  Wanger,  Lancaster;  Major  Wm.  Tonkin,  Lancas- 
ter; Capt.  C.  Aull, Philadelphia;  Capt.  J.  S.  Batroff,  Philadelphia;  Capt. 
S.  C.  Stambaugh,  Lebanon;  Ensign,  William  Weidenshime,  Philadel- 
phia; Lieut.  Harry  Sines,  Philadelphia;  Canton,  No.  25,  Uniformed 
Rank,  Lancaster,  Capt.  J.  W.  Wengert;  Canton,  No.  2,  Reading,  Capt. 
Rieger;  Vigilant  lodge,  No.  194  captain,  Jonas  Moyer;  Muhlenberg 
lodge,  No.  1,085,  captain,  Henry  Schmeck;  eight  boys  carrying  a flag 
and  members  in  red,  white  and  blue  sashes;  Oley  lodge,  No.  218, 
Thomas  D.  Becker,  captain;  Liberty  band,  Hamburg;  Emblematic 
lodge,  No.  169,  Irvin  Homan,  captain;  Mt.  Penn  lodge,  No.  518,  Capt. 


CIVIC  PARADE. 


235 


H.  B.  Newpher;  Koscioski  lodge,  No.  374,  Rawlinsville,  Lancaster 
county,  Capt.  A.  Reece;  Progressive  lodge,  No  470;  Salome  lodge,  No. 
105;  Reading  lodge,  No.  348;  Delegations  from  Manatawny  lodge, 
Pottstown,  Wernersville,  Philadelphia,  and  Myerstown. 

FIFTH  DIVISION. 

Knights  of  Friendship:— Marshal,  E.  A.  C.  Lohman;  guide,  Valen- 
tine Kuhlman;  aids,  Aug.  D.  Gerhard,  Wm.  Woodward,  W.  D.  Fich- 
thorn,  David  A Gerhard.  Chas  Freeman,  John  W.  Orr. 

Columbia  band  of  Stevens;  Reading  Consultory,  No.  3,  full  uniform, 
O.  B.  Dorward,  captain;  H.  W.  Haak  Consultory,  No.  1.  Phillipsburg, 
Jacob  Hedley,  captain;  Reading  Chamber,  No.  26,  Capt.  Adam  H. 
Hoffman;  Fidelia  Chamber,  No.  5,  Capt.  David  Kuser;  Charity  Cham- 
ber, No.  23,  Capt.  Geo.  Zerbe;  Friendship  Chamber,  No.  28,  Capt. 
Harry  Bressler;  Fraternity  Chamber,  No.  4,  Capt.  Joseph  Hatzel; 
Lincoln  Chamber,  No.  36,  Capt.  D.  M.  Smith;  Delegation  from  Philadel- 
phia, with  drum  corps;  True  Friendship  Chamber,  of  Norristown,  Capt. 
John  Jacobs;  Loyal  Chamber,  of  Sinking  Spring,  Capt.  James  Ruth. 

Knights  of  Friendship  Float.  Gorgeous  affair,  with  massive  arches,  the 
exterior  and  interior  typifying  the  principles  of  the  order.  The  roof 
was  supported  by  six  columns  and  the  arches  contained  red  draperies. 
On  the  top  was  the  Bible  and  a globe  of  the  world.  Knight  junior, 
knight  bachelor,  and  knight  errant,  the  initiatory  degree,  were  the 
occupants.  It  was  drawn  by  four  heavy  horses. 

Friendship  Chamber  Float,  containing  the  ladies  of  the  Knights  of 
Friendship,  dressed  in  red,  white  and  blue.  The  float  was  an  artistic 
affair,  occupied  by  young  ladies,  who  wore  white,  trimmed  with  red  and. 
blue,  and  crowns  on  their  heads. 

Delegation  of  Knights  from  Oakland,  mounted  on  horses. 

Heptasophs: — Marshal,  Irvin  G.  Miller;  aids,  Charles  Bristle,  Edward 
Levan,  Charles  I.  Matz,  F.  P.  Wolfinger,  William  B.  Hafer. 

Reading  Conclave,  No  67,  and  Berks  Conclave,  No.  133,  had  a mag- 
nificent float,  drawn  by  four  horses,  representing  the  motto  of  the  order 
— Fraternity,  Truth  and  Wisdom. 

SIXTH  DIVISION. 

P.  O S.  of  A:— Marshal,  Edwin  C.  Shaffer;  guide,  Irvin  E.  Saylor; 
aids,  Frank  Kalbach,  Thomas  Mull,  Charles  J.  Spohn,  John  Trout, 
William  S.  Ribble,  George  W.  Wertley,  William  Moyer,  M.  S.  Brendel. 

Boys’  Brigade  drum  corps,  Lexington  Commandery,  No.  2,  Captain, 
E.  E.  Hummel;  Camp  No.  89,  Captain,  John  H.  Long,  dressed  in  white 
coats  and  caps;  Birdsboro  band,  Camp  No.  212,  Captain,  Wm  L.  Rice; 
wore  white  duck  coats,  caps  and  white  gloves;  Athletic  band;  Camp  No. 
560,  Captain,  D,  P.  Kramer;  Delegations  of  Camps  670,  552  and  691 
were  also  in  line. 

SEVENTH  DIVISION. 

Jr.  O.  U.  A.  M: — Marshal,  R.  S.  Heckman;  guide,  George  Luigard; 
assistant  marshal,  P.  S.  Hinnershitz;  aids,  Irvin  P.  Palm,  John  W.  Clark, 
C.  M.  Wheeler,  John  C.  Roop. 


236 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Ringgold  band,  Joseph  Winters,  leader,  40  men;  Combined  Reading 
Councils;  Perseverance,  No.  19,  marshal,  Walter  Yeich;  Resolute,  No. 
27,  marshal,  A.  F.  Croll;  Industry,  No.  163,  marshal,  Irvin  P.  Rahn; 
Thaddeus  Stevens,  No  252,  marshal,  J.  W Clark;  Sinking  Spring  band, 
Neversink,  No.  371,  marshal,  Oscar  Van  Buskirk;  Samuel  J.  Randall, 
No.  448,  marshal,  C.  M.  Wheeler;  D.  J Lang,  No.  995,  marshal,  E.  S. 
Stump;  Diligent,  No.  4,  of  Philadelphia,  marshal,  J.  R McKelvey,  with 
guard  and  band  of  37  men;  Band;  Empire,  No.  120;  Hamilton,  No.  138, 
marshal,  William  Jones;  U.  S.  Grant,  No.  352,  marshal,  Jonathan  Ley- 
man;  National  band,  of  Pottstown;  Pioneer,  No  380,  marshal,  C.  Wal- 
bert;  Royersford,  No.  521,  marshal,  Edward  Morton;  Coventryville,  No. 
863;  Coventryville  band,  Frank  Cockron  and  Edwin  Morris,  marshals; 
Blue  Rock,  No  904,  marshal,  Ira  P.  Dunn;  Churchtown  band;  James  E. 
Hyatt,  No.  923,  Philadelphia. 

Float — Miniature  school  house,  carried  by  Wilmer  Crow,  Elmer  Faust, 
William  Hinnershitz,  Harold  Werner,  and  guarded  by  the  Boys’  Brigade 
of  Calvary  Reformed  church. 

EIGHTH  DIVISION. 

Catholic  Organizations: — Marshal,  John  J.  Kelly;  guide,  John  P. 
Lenicli;  aids,  Henry  J.  Schmeider,  George  H.  Felix,  Edward  P.  Morris, 
Harry  A.  Bingaman,  Andrew  Gallman,  Edward  Tobolski,  John  F. 
Tomaszewski,  James  M.  Kase,  James  Kelly,  John  Sakiewez,  Andrew 
Shisslak,  Thomas  Lillis  and  John  Talknowski. 

Third  Brigade  band,  of  Pottsville,  32  pieces;  Bonifacius  Brotherhood, 
John  Sauer,  marshal;  Holy  Cross  Society,  Aaron  M.  Clay,  marshal; 
Emerald  Beneficial  Association,  Patrick  Burns,  marshal;  St.  Peter’s  T. 
A.  B.  Cadet  Society  and  Advance  Guard,  Daniel  F.  McCullough,  mar- 
shal; St.  Peter’s  T.  A.  B.  Society,  marshal,  Michael  P.  Connelly;  Birds- 
boro  band;  St.  Cosmos’  Uniformed  Guards,  marshal,  John  Sakiewicz; 
St.  Stanislaus’  Society,  marshal,  Stanislaus  Tobolski;  St.  Joseph’s  So- 
ciety, marshal,  Emanuel  Richter;  St.  Paul  Commandery,  No.  166, 
Knights  of  St.  John,  marshal,  Charles  Vogel;  Perseverance  band,  of 
Lebanon,  23  pieces;  Division  No.  1,  Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians,  mar- 
shal, Thomas  J.  Flemming;  St  Mary’s  Queen  of  Poland  Society, 
marshal,  Michael  Jogwiak;  St.  John  the  Baptist  Society;  mar- 
shal, Joseph  Pormey;  Lancaster  band;  Commandery,  No.  49,  Knights  of 
St  John,  of  Lancaster,  with  Lancaster  band;  Columbus  Commandery, 
No.  271,  Knights  ol  St.  John,  marshal,  Capt.  M.  J.  Selling;  St.  Albert’s 
Society,  marshal,  John  Tylowski. 

NINTH  DIVISION. 

Knights  of  Pythias:— Marshal,  C.  J.  Bonawitz;  guide,  Sergt.  Maj.  Geo. 

L.  Diefenderfer;  aids,  Charles  F.  Linde,  Col.  Willis  H.  Faber,  Col.  J. 

M.  Newhart,  Capt.  Wm.  H.  Warner,  Capt.  S.  Skeen,  Lieut.  C.  M.  Deem. 
Bernville  band;  Co.  44,  U.  R.  K.  of  P.,  Reading,  Capt.  C.  W.  Gerhart; 

Delegations  from  Friendship,  No.  5;  Mt.  Penn,  No  65,  Mohnsville,  No. 
483;  Lexington,  No.  155,  and  Robesonia. 


CIVIC  PARADE. 


237 


TENTH  DIVISION. 

Knights  of  the  Mystic  Chain:— Marshal,  Howard  J.  Borkert;  guide, 
Edward  Landis;  aids,  Charles  Auge,  Edward  Kramer,  Albert  Lord. 

Citizens’  band,  Mohnsville;  Reading  Commandery,  company  D,  uni- 
formed rank;  marshal,  Albert  Lord;  Alpha,  Neversink  and  Marion 
Castles,  visiting  knights.  Float  representing  castle  of  the  15th  century. 

ELEVENTH  DIVISION. 

American  Protestant  Associations:— Marshal,  H.  J.  Pflum;  guide, 
Harrison  Houck;  aids,  Frank  Fisher,  Harry  Button. 

Electric  drum  corps;  combined  lodges  of  the  American  Protestant 
Association,  including  Hope,  No.  1;  Wadence,  No.  16;  Liberty,  No.  3, 
Philadelphia,  and  No.  T04,  of  Reading,  Henry  J.  Bloom,  marshal; 
Natfonal  Grand  Master  Elias  MacDonald,  of  Phila.,  was  in  command. 

TWELFTH  DIVISION. 

German  Societies: — Marshal,  Louis  Hermann.  This  division  con- 
sisted of  two  floats;  one  by  the  Bavarian  society  with  young  ladies 
dressed  in  white;  the  other  by  the  Cannstatter  society,  with  little  girls 
dressed  in  white  and  a fruit  column  in  the  centre. 

THIRTEENTH  DIVISION. 

Knights  of  the  Golden  Eagle: — Marshal,  Ellis  B.  Moyer;  guide,  E.  B. 
Slichter;  aids,  Charles  Corkhill,  David  Sands,  David  Snyder,  H.  M. 
Heffner,  N.  S.  Hoffman,  W.  S.  Miller  and  J P.  Sands;  Lieut.  Gen. 
Reinicke  in  carriage. 

St.  Lawrence  band;  Harris  Commandery,  Philadelphia,  Capt.  Geo. 
W.  Dooley;  Blue  Cross  Commandery,  Lancaster,  Capt.  E.  F.  Farrier; 
Elmo  Commandery,  Altoona,  Capt.  E.  E.  Ashman;  Keystone  Com- 
mandery, Reading,  Capt  J.  E.  Grill;  Mt.  Penn  Commandery,  Reading, 
Capt.  J.  A.  Fichthorn;  St.  Bernard  Commandery,  Reading,  Capt.  W.  H. 
Houck;  combined  Castles  of  Reading,  Capt.  David  Sands;  Red  Cross 
Commandery,  Nicetown,  Philadelphia,  Capt.  Jos.  Garwood. 

Float,  “Pilgrim,”  consisted  of  arches  on  a wagon,  gaily  decorated  with 
flags  and  bunting  and  full  degree  team  in  uniform. 

Float,  “Knight,”  presented  royal  chamber  with  degree  team  seated 
under  canopy. 

Float,  “Crusaders,”  Wisdom  Castle,  488,  degree  team  had  charge, 
decorated  with  flags  and  buntings. 

Float,  “Ladies’  Temple,”  consisted  of  two  sailboats  mounted  on  a 
wagon,  the  degree  teams  of  the  various  Ladies’  auxiliaries  occupying 
seats  dressed  in  full  regalia. 

Ladies  of  the  Golden  Eagle,  in  carriages. 

FOURTEENTH  DIVISION. 

Knights  of  Malta: — Marshal,  E.  E.  Taylor;  guide,  E.  D.  Levan;  aid 
Albert  E.  Palm 

Nantmeal  band;  Mystic  Star  commandery,  No.  47,  Knights  of  Malta, 
A.  H.  Boyer,  captain.  Members  of  the  order  were  present  from  Phila- 


238 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


delphia,  Hazleton,  Berwick,  Allentown,  Slatington,  besides  members  ot 
the  grand  lodge. 

FIFTEENTH  DIVISION. 

Foresters: — Marshal,  Charles  A.  Horn;  guide,  Benjamin  F.  Hartz; 
aids,  Alfred  Rogers,  Ambrose  Lenich,  Benjamin  Paradise,  A.  K. 
Moyer;  general  chairman,  W.  G.  Edwards. 

Winona  band,  Mohnsville;  Court  Lancaster,  Lancaster,  W.  C.  Acker, 
captain;  Iroquois  band.  Lancaster;  Court  Neversink,  captain,  Henry 
Lord;  Court  Reading,  captain,  Henry  Rodgers;  National  band,  Potts- 
town;  Court  Progress,  captain,  Geo.  Kemp;  Court  Victory,  captain,  Ed. 
Showers;  Court  Wyomissing,  captain,  A.  K.  Moyer;  Court  Sylvan,  Potts- 
town,  leader,  A.  Brown. 

By  the  reports  made  to  the  Chief  Marshal,  there  were  in  line 
5937  persons. 

Signal  Corps. — The  signal  corps,  provided  by  the  committee, 
of  which  Charles  H.  Armour  was  chairman,  was  admirably  con- 
ducted, and  facilitated  the  movements  of  the  parade  in  a note- 
worthy manner.  The  corps  comprised  a chief  signal  officer, 
Thomas  E.  Weber,  and  22  flag  bearers,  all  of  whom  carried 
two  flags,  one  white  with  a square  blue  center,  and  the  other 
red  with  a square  white  centre.  While  the  column  moved  along 
without  interruption,  the  white  flag  was  waved  incessantly;  but 
when  a halt  became  necessary  or  a break  arose,  the  red  flag 
was  waved  until  the  obstruction  was  removed.  The  corps  ren- 
dered valuable  services  in  all  the  parades. 

Evening. — The  Committee  on  Fireworks  gave  a brilliant  dis- 
play of  fireworks  in  Penn  Common  at  the  second  turn  in  the 
boulevard  from  8.30  to  9.30  o’clock,  which  was  witnessed  and 
admired  by  many  thousands  of  people  in  all  parts  of  Reading, 
particularly  in  the  Common  and  vicinity.  It  was  seen  for  many 
miles  to  the  west  in  Lebanon  Valley  and  to  the  north  in  Schuyl- 
kill Valley.  The  public  appreciation  in  the  Common  was  mani- 
fested by  loud  demonstrations  of  applause. 

A kite  display  was  given  by  William  A.  Eddy,  of  Bayonne, 
N.  J.,  in  connection  with  the  fireworks  which  was  a complete 
success.  It  was  the  first  time  in  this  country  that  lanterns  and 
red  fire  were  attached  to  a kite-string  simultaneously.  Three 
kites  were  successfully  floated,  one  seven  feet  in  diameter  and 
the  other  two  six  feet.  The  kites  were  attached  to  a cable  2000 
feet  long.  The  large  kite  was  raised  400  feet  high  and  the 
smaller  ones  1500  feet.  They  remained  fixed  for  nearly  three 


woman’s  day. 


239 


hours  and  could  be  plainly  seen.  Six  lanterns,  red,  white  and 
green,  were  attached  to  the  main  cable  and  they  illuminated  the 
kite  string  brilliantly.  At  11  o’clock  a large  national  flag  was 
sent  up  in  the  air  to  a distance  of  250  feet.  And  while  these 
displays  were  going  on,  a powerful  search-light,  stationed  on  the 
top  of  the  prison  tower,  was  thrown  in  all  directions  over  the 
surrounding  earth  and  into  the  sky,  and  its  piercing  beam  in  the 
darkness  presented  a striking  appearance.  It  was  frequently 
thrown  upon  the  kites.  These  three  displays  together  afforded 
an  entertainment  whose  unique  character  exceeded  everything 
of  a free  public  exhibition  heretofore  given  at  Reading.  A 
search  light  was  also  operated  on  the  roof  of  the  Grand  Opera 
House  for  a similar  display  in  the  interior  part  of  the  city. 

The  Reception  and  Entertainment  Committee,  of  which  Mrs. 
Daniel  Ermentrout  was  Chief  Directress,  gave  a reception  at  the 
Neversink  Mountain  Hotel  to  the  guests  of  the  Woman’s  Com- 
mittee from  8.30  to  10.30  o’clock  in  the  evening.  The  Chiet 
Directress  was  assisted  by  Mrs.  Wm.  R.  Mcllvain  and  Mrs.  J. 
Wilhelm  Hartmann  in  welcoming  the  guests  and  presenting  them 
to  the  members  of  the  Woman’s  Committee  and  a large  number 
of  other  persons  who  called  to  pay  their  respects.  More  than 
thirty  distinguished  guests  wrere  received  during  the  evening,  in- 
cluding Mrs.  Daniel  H.  Hastings,  (wife  of  the  governor  ot 
Penn’a);  Mrs.  E.  D.  Gillespie,  (State  Regent  of  Colonial 
Dames),  Mrs.  Anita  Newcombe  McGee,  (Vice  President  General 
Daughters  American  Revolution),  Mrs.  N.  D.  Sperry, (also  Vice 
Pres.  Gen.  D.  A.  R.),  and  Mrs.  Thos.  Roberts  (State  Regent 
of  D.  A.  R.)  After  the  reception,  luncheon  was  served  in 
the  spacious  dining  room  of  the  hotel,  134  persons  partici- 
pating; a special  orchestra  furnished  a select  program  of  music 
during  the  entire  evening. 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  7TH. 

Morning.  —The  Academy  of  Music  was  handsomely  decorated 
by  the  Committees  on  Decorations  for  Woman’s  Day,  and  it 
presented  a superb  appearance  for  the  public  reception  to  the 
invited  guests.  Henry  M.  Keim,  Chairman  of  Woman’s  Com- 
mittee, at  10  o’clock,  opened  the  meeting  with  a short  address. 
The  invited  guests  and  members  of  the  Committee,  numbering 
over  150,  were  on  the  stage,  and  most  of  the  seats  in  the  audi- 


240 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


torium  were  occupied.  Mrs.  Daniel  Ermentrout,  Chief  Direc- 
tress of  the  Committee,  presided  over  the  meeting  and  remarks 
on  different  prominent  topics  were  made  by  the  following  dis- 
tinguished women:  Mrs.  Horace  Brock,  president  of  Federa- 
tion of  Penna.  Women;  Mrs.  Anita  Newcomb  McGee,  Vice 
President  General  D.  A.  R.,  and  Director  of  Hospital  Corps, 
Mrs.  Thomas  D.  Roberts,  State  Regent  of  D.  A.  R.,  and 
Mrs.  E.  D.  Gillespie,  State  Regent  of  the  Colonial  Dames. 
The  essay  by  Mrs.  Edward  Robins,  secretary  of  the  Audubon 
Society  of  Penna.,  on  “Bird  Protection”  was  read  by  Mrs. 
de  B.  Randolph  Keim,  owing  to  her  unavoidable  absence.  The 
program  included  selections  of  vocal  music  by  a woman’s 
chorus,  with  Prof.  E.  A.  Berg  as  director,  and  instrumental 
music  by  the  Germania  band. 

A public  reception  was  tendered  to  educators  in  the  Court 
room  from  11  o’clock  to  1 o’clock,  and  while  the  guests  were  be- 
ing welcomed  by  the  Committee  on  Reception,  Gen.  David  McM. 
Gregg,  chairman,  and  introductions  made  to  numerous  com- 
mitteemen and  the  citizens  generally,  the  Ringgold  Band  dis- 
coursed a fine  program  of  music. 

Mrs.  Daniel  Ermentrout  tendered  a public  reception  at  her 
residence,  “Graustein,”  on  the  Hill  Road,  from  3 to  6 o’ clock  to 
the  distinguished  women  who  spoke  in  the  Academy  of  Music 
during  the  morning  exercises.  Many  leading  citizens  of  Read- 
ing were  present,  and  the  occasion  was  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
social  events  in  the  history  of  the  city. 

SCHOOL  PARADE. 

Afternoon. — The  parade  of  the  school  children  was  held 
during  the  afternoon,  and  it  was  the  most  successful  public 
demonstration  of  the  kind  ever  witnessed  at  Reading.  In  every 
way  it  was  a perfect  success.  All  the  pupils  were  not  in  the  pro- 
cession, and  they  were  not  expected  to  be,  but  they  were  largely 
represented,  sufficiently  so  to  demonstrate  the  strength,  influence 
and  excellence  of  the  system  of  education  in  the  community. 
The  total  number  in  line  has  been  estimated  at  9000.  All 
walked,  marshals,  aids,  committees,  officers,  teachers  and  chil- 
dren. There  were  no  horses  nor  conveyances  in  line. 

The  route  of  the  parade  was  up  Penn  street  from  Third  to 
Eleventh,  thence  to  Washington,  thence  to  Park  circle,  thence 


HEAD  OF  SCHOOL  PARADE,  JUNE 


SCHOOL  PARADE. 


241 


to  the  right  along  the  prison  to  the  Park  entrance,  thence 
along  Penn  street  to  Fourth,  and  dismissed;  and  the  line  of 
march  was  as  follows: — 


LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Chief  Marshal,  City  Superintendent,  E.  Mackey. 

Chief  of  staff: — J.  George  Hintz;  aids,  J.  Ed.  Wanner,  (president  of 
School  Board),  Albert  R.  Hoover,  (treasurer),  Francis  S.  Roland 
(secretary),  R.  A.  Townsend,  James  Kase,  Frederick  Stephan,  Augus- 
tus Bartels,  George  S Wagner,  Wm.  McClellan,  Jenkin  Hill,  David  C. 
Lotz,  Samuel  S.  Hoff,  James  S.  Ammon,  Charles  L.  Moll,  Jeremiah 
Seiders,  James  M.  Hutchison,  Wm.  H.  Luden,  Caleb  J.  Bieber,  Harvey 
F.  Heinly,  Howard  L.  Boas,  Henry  B.  Hintz,  Harvey  J.  Fueller,  Fred- 
erick Stephan,  Jr.,  Walter  S.  Miller,  Adolph  Kauffman,  and  all  the 
members  of  the  School  Board,  (whose  names  appear  in  Part  4. ) 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Boys’  High  School,  Prof.  M.  E.  Scheibner,  principal,  in  command; 
total  boys  in  line,  21 1. 

1st  Battalion,  Class  of  1898,  Charles  S.  Foos,  major;  Edwin  L. 
Hettinger  and  Oliver  J.  Wolff,  captains. — 2nd  Battalion,  Class  of  1899, 
Frank  Hankinson,  major;  Charles  S.  Lessig,  Aitken  Frankhouser  and 
Wilbur  F.  Price,  captains. — 3rd  Battalion,  Class  of  1900,  Walter  S' 
Harley,  major;  J.  H.  Graeff,  Stanley  F.  Bingaman  and  Charles  T.  Bates, 
captains. — 4th  Battalion,  Class  of  1901,  Levi  Mengel  and  Frank  C.  Rex, 
majors;  Forrest  G.  Schaeffer,  Leroy  Marshall,  Joseph  Ulman  and  Samuel 
J.  Lockhart,  captains.  Boys  were  dressed  in  dark  suits,  white  canvas 
hats  with  bands  of  class  colors,  and  carried  canes. 

Girls’  High  School,  J Ellsworth  Hinkley  in  command;  total  girls  in 
line,  191. 

1st  Battalion,  Class  of  1898,  M.  Geyer,  major;  Helen  Strunk  and  Mary 
Roehrig,  captains. — 2nd  Battalion,  Class  of  1899,  Margaret  Gosslerr 
major;  Bessie  Seiders  and  Elizabeth  Horner,  captains — 3rd  Battalion, 
Class  of  1900,  Mabel  Senior,  major;  Florence  Miller  and  Maud  Belle- 
mere,  captains. — 4th  Battalion,  class  of  1901,  Florence  Burkey,  major;. 
Bessie  Frantz,  Cora  Davis  and  Laura  Rote,  captains.  Girls  were  dressed 
in  dark  skirts,  white  waists,  and  sailor  hats  with  bands  of  class  colors. 
They  marched  in  an  admirable  manner  and  won  applause  along  the  en- 
tire route. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

JesSe  Orr  Building,  William  Hinkley  in  command;  total  in  line  138. 

M.  B.  Kreisher,  major;  Grammar  Grade,  Nora  C.  Moyer,  teacher.— Male 
Secondary,  Lucy  M.  Rorke,  teacher. — Female  Secondary,  Sarah  Laub, 
teacher.— Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Mary  E.  Swartz,  teacher. — Female  Adv. 
Prim.,  Annie  E.  Howell,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Gertrude  E.  Barber, 
teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Alice  H.  Goodhart,  teacher. — Female  Primary 
Jennie  P.  Morris,  teacher.  Dressed  as  follows:  Girls  in  white  dresses 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


242 


red  sashes,  black  student  caps,  and  small  U.  S.  flags  as  badges;  boys  in 
black  knee  breeches,  white  blouses,  red  neckties,  and  black  student 
caps. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Harry  G.  Davis  in  command. 

Bingaman  and  Orange  Building;  total  in  line,  136.  William  Hulsizer, 
•colonel;  Arthur  Merget,  lieutenant  colonel.  — Male  Grammar,  M ary  E. 
Jones,  teacher. — Female  Grammar,  Amanda  G.  Jones,  teacher. — Male 
Secondary,  May  M.  Sauerbier,  teacher. — Advanced  Primary,  Mrs. 
Maggie  J.  Thomas,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Kate  E.  Flemming, 
teacher.  — Female  Primary,  Ellen  Fink,  teacher.  Girls  wore  white 
dresses  and  white  Tam  O’Shanter  hats;  boys,  dark  trousers,  white 
shirts,  belts  and  caps.  All  wore  dark  blue  badges  with  national  flags, 

Thomas  Severn  Building;  total  in  line,  187  — Advanced  Secondary, 
Anna  L.  Parker,  teacher  — Male  Secondary,  Agnes  Driscoll,  teacher. — 
Female  Secondary,  Kate  Wittich,  teacher. — Male  Advanced  Primary, 
Susan  Matz,  teacher.  Female  Advanced  Primary,  Mary  Thomas, 
teacher.  — Mixed  Primary,  Sarah  Bernhart,  teacher. — Male  Primary, 
Emma  J.  Gragg,  teacher — Female  Primary,  Kate  O’Reilly,  teacher. — 
Girls  all  in  white,  with  sash  of  national  colors;  boys  in  white  shirts, 
dark  trousers,  and  belts  and  ties  in  national  colors. 

Ninth  and  Spruce  Building;  total  in  line,  222.  Howard  Roland, 
•colonel;  George  Miller,  lieutenant  colonel. — Advanced  Secondary, 
Maggie  L.  Howell,  teacher. — Secondary,  Esther  E.  Rice,  teacher. — 
Advanced  Primary,  Josephine  Murray,  teacher. — Advanced  Primary, 
Emily  Willson  and  Beulah  Davies, teachers. — Primary,  Martha  E.  Homan, 
Lucy  Lawrence  and  Marian  J.  Wesley,  teachers.  Girls  dressed  in  white 
dresses,  white  caps  and  blue  sashes;  boys  in  white  shirts  and  caps,  dark 
trousers,  blue  neckties,  blue  and  white  striped  belts. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Reuben  Smink  in  command. 

Hagenman  Building;  total  in  line  166.  Arthur  L.  Smink,  lieutenant- 
colonel. — Advanced  Secondary,  Annie  Shaaber,  teacher. — Female  Adv. 
Sec.,  Martha  L.  Stahle,  teacher. — Male  Secondary,  Grace  A.  Osborne, 
teacher. — Female  Secondary,  E.  Alice  Homan,  teacher. — Male  Adv. 
Prim.,  Maggie  Ray,  teacher. —Female  Adv.  Primary,  Alice  S.  Ganser, 
teacher. — Male  Primary,  Annie  Beyler,  teacher — Female  Primary,  A. 
Lizzie  Radfofd,  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  red,  white  and  blue  waists 
and  caps,  trimmed  in  national  colors;  boys  in  dark  suits  and  white  caps, 
with  red,  white  and  blue  bands;  and  both  wearing  light  blue  badges. 

FIFTH  DIVISION. 

James  Kase  in  command.  Daniel  McCullough,  aid;  total  in  line  250. 

St  Peter’s  Parochial  School.  Boys: — Harry  Bingham,  colonel; 

Michael  Frantz,  lieutenant-colonel;  Edward  McCann,  William  Day  and 
Francis  Ganter,  captains.  Girls: — Marie  Swartz,  colonel;  Mary  Conner, 
lieutenant-colonel;  Mary  McCann,  Nellie  Fessler  and  Grace  Fordyce, 


SCHOOL  PARADE. 


243 


captains.  Girls  dressed  in  white;  boys  in  dark  pantaloons  and  white 
waists;  all  carried  national  flags. 

George  Lerch  Building;  181  in  line.  Harry  Moyer,  colonel;  Neal 
Nyce,  lieutenant-colonel.  Grammar  Grade,  Lina  M.  Roland,  teacher. — 
Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Ada  W.  Ribble,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Sec.,  Jessie  F. 
Hughes,  teacher. — Mixed  Secondary,  Annie  Fink,  teacher. — Male  Adv. 
Prim.,  Mary  Ribble,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Ettie  Woltkill, 
teacher. — Male  Primary,  Myra  Eisenhower,  teacher. — Female  Primary, 
Irene  Miller,  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white,  white  caps  and  red,  white 
and  blue  ribbon,  carrying  Japanese  parasols;  boys  in  dark  suits,  white 
ties  and  white  caps,  with  national  colors.  Boys  of  primary  grade  with 
white  suits,  white  caps  and  national  colors. 

SIXTH  DIVISION. 

George  C.  Houck  in  command. 

Chestnut  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  150.  Edward  A.  Stoeckel, 
colonel.  Male  Grammar,  Louise  Werner,  teacher. — Female  Grammar, 
Lillie  Schoener,  teacher.  — Female  Secondary,  Elizabeth  W.  Davies, 
teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Ida  C.  Koch,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim., 
Lilia  Snyder,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Lillie  Peacock,  teacher  — Female 
Primary,  Daisy  Keim,  teacher.— Male  Primary,  Norma  C.  Geiger, 
teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white  with  belts  and  ties  of  national  colors; 
grammar  grade  with  Anthony  Wayne  hats  trimmed  with  rosettes  in  na- 
tional colors  and  crossed  flags;  primary  grade  with  Tam  O’Shanter  hats 
and  scarfs  of  national  or  city  colors.  Grammar  boys,  dark  suits,  white 
caps  and  alternating  red,  white  and  blue  scarfs,  and  canes  with  national 
colors.  Primary  boys,  white  suits  and  caps,  and  Tam  O’Shanter  hats, 
and  belts  and  ties  of  national  colors. 

Franklin  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  129.  Albert  E.  Luiphard 
colonel;  Holden  Stott,  lieutenant  colonel. — Female  Adv.  Sec.,  Mary  M. 
Ivetrer,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Beckie  Warley,  teacher  — Male  Sec- 
ondary, Myrtie  Hergesheimer,  teacher. — Female  Secondary,  Sallie  A. 
Green,  teacher. — Male  Advanced  Primary,  Mary  Connelly,  teacher. — 
Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Ida  K.  Hoffmaster  teacher. —Male  Primary,  Mar- 
garet M.  Wagner,  teacher. — Female  Primary,  Lizzie  W.  Moyer,  teacher. 
Girls  in  white  with  scarfs  of  national  colors  and  sailor  or  Tam  O’Shanter 
hats  with  national  colors.  Boys  in  dark  pants,  white  waists  and  scarfs, 
white  caps  and  ties  with  national  colors,  carrying  canes  with  United 
States  flags  attached. 

SEVENTH  DIVISION. 

Edward  E.  Hummel  in  command. 

Ricktown  Building;  total  in  line,  193.  William  Rhoads,  colonel. 
Secondary,  Sue  C.  Sheeler,  teacher. — Advanced  Primary,  Clemmie 
Roberts  and  Alice  R.  Bechtel,  teachers. — Primary,  Margaret  Herner  and 
Margie  Kantner,  teachers. — Mixed  Primary,  Laura  L.  Kantner, 
teacher.  Girls  wore  dark  blue  skirts,  white  blouses  and  red  poke 
bonnets;  boys,  dark  trousers,  white  caps,  blouses  and  leggings,  and 
ties  and  belts  of  national  colors. 


244 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Washington  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  238.  George  Schaum, 
colonel;  Walter  Dearolf,  major.  Male  Grammar,  Amelia  C.  Hobson, 
teacher. — Female  Grammar,  Emma  L.  Hahn,  teacher.— Male  Adv.  Sec., 
Sallie  C.  Morris,  teacher.— Female  Adv.  Sec.,  Clara  Boyer,  teacher. — 
Male  Secondary,  Ruth  D.  Smedley,  teacher — Female  Secondary, 
S.  Emma  Moyer,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Annie  E.  Mans- 
field, teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Lizzie  Jones,  teacher. — Male 
Primary,  Gertrude  Ziegler,  teacher  — Mixed  Primary,  Mary  Addams, 
teacher. — Female  Primary,  Myriam  Geiger,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary, 
Ruth  P.  Clouse,  teacher.  Grammar  and  Advanced  Secondary  schools, 
boys  wore  ordinary  dress  and  white  caps  and  badges,  and  girls,  dark 
skirts,  white  waists  and  yachting  caps,  red  belts  and  badges;  other  girls 
dressed  in  white,  trimmed  in  national  colors,  and  other  boys  in  dark 
trousers,  white  waists  and  pilot  caps  with  regalias  of  national  colors. 

Pear  and  Buttonwood  Streets  Building;  total  in  line  101. — Male  Adv. 
Prim.,  Mrs.  Emma  L.  Foreman,  teacher  —Female  Adv.  Prim  , Annie 
Hutchinson,  teacher. — Female  Primary.  Irma  M.  Wells,  teacher. — Male 
Primary,  Mattie  C.  Koch,  teacher  Girls  in  white  dresses  with  sashes 
and  baker  caps  of  national  colors;  boys  in  white  waists  and  caps  with 
sashes,  ties  and  trimmings  of  national  colors. 

EIGHTH  DIVISION. 

Augustus  Bartels  in  command. 

St.  John’s  Parochial  School;  120  in  line.  Augustus  Lessig,  colonel. 
Boys: -Max  Koftke,  captain;  girls:— Mamie  Lencke,  captain;  teachers, 
C.  M.  Wonnberger,  Jennie  Hamel  and  Annie  Welte.  Girls  were  dressed 
in  white  with  white  caps  and  red,  white  and  blue  sashes;  and  boys  in 
white  suits  with  white  caps  and  red,  white  and  blue  belts. 

Lewis  Briner  Building;  total  in  line,  160.  J.  H.  Seiders,  colonel;  Jay 
Seltzer,  lieutenant-colonel. -- Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Araminta  B.  Richards, 
teacher.— Female  Adv.  Sec  , Minerva  E.  Clous,  teacher. — Male  Second- 
ary, Amelia  Miller,  teacher. — Female  Secondary,  Agnes  Wilson, 
teacher. — Made  Adv.  Prim.,  Bessie  B.  Shanaman,  teacher. — Female 
Adv.  Prim.,  Mary  M.  Rice,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Mary  M.  Rowe, 
teacher. — Female  Primary,  Esther  Geissenhainer,  teacher.  Girls  in 
white  dresses  and  caps,  trimmed  in  national  colors,  carrying  silk 
parasols  in  national  colors;  boys  in  white  caps  and  blouses  and  dark 
trousers,  belts  in  national  colors,  carrying  United  States  flags. 

NINTH  DIVISION. 

Harry  H.  Fichthorn,  colonel  in  command,  and  Charles  Deem,  lieu- 
tenant-colonel. 

Poplar  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  218. — Male  Adv.  Sec  , Annie  M. 
Huebner,  teacher. — Male  Secondary,  Mrs.  Emma  C.  Noll,  teacher. — 
Female  Secondary,  Kate  Eckert,  teacher. — Male  Adv  Prim.,  Emily 
Jones  and  Annie  E.  Acker,  teachers.— Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Agnes  S. 
DeHart,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Alice  Aulenbach,  teacher. — Female 
Primary,  Melissa  M.  Howell,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  dresses  and  caps 


SCHOOL  PARADE. 


245 


trimmed  in  national  colors;  boys  in  white  blouses  and  caps,  dark 
trousers,  brown  leggings  with  tifes  and  trimmings  in  national  colors. 

St.  Paul’s  Parochial  School.  Boys,  total  in  line,  284;  Willie  Rehr, 
colonel;  John  Maurer,  lieutenant-colonel. — 1st  Class,  Erasmus  Duppius, 
teacher. — 2nd  Class,  Sister  Concordia,  teacher. — 3rd  Class,  Sister 
Eveline,  teacher. — 4th  Class,  Sister  Emmerana,  teacher. — 5th  Class, 
Sister  Donatiana,  teacher.  Girls,  total  in  line,  260;  Josephine  Braun, 
colonel;  Lena  Heere,  lieutenant-colonel  — 1st  Class,  Sister  Baptista, 
teacher. — 2nd  Class,  Sister  Reinolda,  teacher. — 3rd  Class,  Sister  Lud- 
mille,  teacher.— 4th  Class,  Sister  Seraphina,  teacher.— 5th  Class,  Sister 
Francis  de  Chantal,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  with  large  bow  on  left 
shoulder  in  national  colors,  Tam  O’Shanter  hats  trimmed  with  national 
emblems,  carrying  Chinese  parasols  with  loops  of  national  colors  Boys 
in  white  blouses,  black  trousers  with  white  stripes,  white  caps  and 
canes  with  national  colors;  and  each  boy  had  a large  letter  on  his 
breast,  showing  the  word  St.  Paul’s  in  every  platoon  of  8. 

Phillippi  Building;  total  in  line,  24;  William  Roberts,  Major.  Female 
Grammar,  Mary  Yohn,  teacher.— Male  Grammar,  Emma  M.  German, 
teacher.  Girls  in  dark  skirts,  white  waists  and  sailor  hats,  trimmed 
with  class  colors  in  orange  and  blue.  Boys  in  white  shirts  and  caps  and 
dark  trousers,  trimmed  with  class  colors,  violet  and  white. 

H.  S.  Eckert  Building;  total  in  line,  154.  Frank  Paff  and  Edward 
Seiforth,  colonels;  William  Kelly,  lieutenant-colonel.  Female  Adv. 
Sec.,  Annie  M.  Wunder,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Rebecca  A.  Evans, 
teacher — Female  Secondary,  Mary  M.  Babb,  teacher. — Male  Secondary, 
Debbie  Boone,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim  , Clara  J.  Lott,  teacher. — 
Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Clara  Wonnberger,  teacher. — Female  Primary,  Mrs. 
Lillie  Ritter,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Dorothea  Miller,  teacher.  Girls 
wore  white  dresses  with  belts  and  caps  trimmed  in  national  colors; 
boys  wore  dark  trousers,  white  shirts,  caps  and  belts  trimmed  in  na- 
tional colors. 

TENTH  DIVISION. 

Harry  A.  Heckman  in  command. 

Elm  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  171.  John  R.  Leary,  colonel; 
Frederick  Weiler,  lieutenant-colonel;  George  Rogers,  major;  Leroy 
Yocom,  sergeant  major. — Male  grammar,  Almira  J.  Wobensmith, 
teacher. — Mixed  Secondary,  Jennie  A.  Miller,  teacher. — Male  Adv. 
Prim.,  Amanda  E.  Stout,  teacher, — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Lou  M.  Liggett, 
teacher. — Female  Primary,  Kate  Marsh,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Ida  R. 
East,  teacher.— Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Anna  L.  Gragg,  teacher. — Male 
Primary,  Clara  E.  Hyneman,  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white  with  pink 
badges;  boys  of  grammar  school  in  dark  suits  and  white  caps  and  pink 
badges;  and  of  primary  schools,  dark  trousers  and  white  waists  and 
caps  with  pink  badges. 

Twelfth  and  Buttonwood  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  104.  Warren 
Eshbach,  colonel.  Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Maggie  C.  O’Rourke,  teacher. — 
Advanced  Primary,.  Helen  Sauerbier,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Katherine 


246 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Goodhart,  teacher.  —Female  Primary,  Lizzie  Hutchinson,  teacher.  Girls 
wore  white  dresses,  red,  white  and  blue  sashes,  and  white  caps;  boys, 
dark  trousers,  dark  blue  caps,  and  white  shirts;  Male  Adv.  Sec  , red 
badges,  and  the  others,  light  blue  badges. 

ELEVENTH  DIVISION 

E.  Augustus  Lohman  in  command. 

John  S.  Richards  Building,  total  in  line,  202.  Female  Adv.  Sec., 
Jane  C.  Wentzel,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim  , Irene  Spohn,  teacher. — 
Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Maggie  C.  Murray,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Lizzie 
J.  Levan,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Anna  N.  Levan,  teacher. — Female 
Primary,  Vinnie  I.  De  Haven  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white,  trimmed 
in  national  colors.  Boys  in  white  belts  and  caps  in  national  colors 

St.  Mary’s  Parochial  School;  total  in  line,  100;  Roman  Ratajcrak, 
colonel;  Joseph  Boginski,  lieutenant-colonel;  Sister  Francisca,  teacher. 
Girls  wore  white  dresses,  Tam  O’Shanter  hats  with  bands  and  sashes  in 
national  colors;  boys’  dark  trousers,  white  waist  and  caps,  with  bands, 
ties  and  belts  in  national  colors. 

TWELFTH  DIVISION. 

Harry  G.  Johnson  in  command. 

Tenth  and  Green  Streets  Building,  No.  1;  total  in  line,  125.  Blanche 
Bowman,  major;  Female  Advanced  Secondary,  Ida  E.  Rothenberger, 
teacher. — Female  Secondary,  Kate  M.  Evans,  teacher. — Female  Ad- 
vanced Primary,  Mary  I.  Fisher,  teacher. — Female  Primary,  Alice 
Davis,  teacher.  Girls  wore  red,  white  and  blue  skirts,  white  Tam 
O’Shanter  hats  and  Sesqui-Centennial  button  badges  with  red  and 
white  ribbons. 

Tenth  and  Green  Streets  Building,  No.  2;  total  in  line,  79  Calvin 
Stuber,  admiral.  Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Hannah  E.  Fichthorn,  teacher. — 
Male  Secondary,  Huldah  Boyer,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Edith  A. 
White,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Caroline  E.  Rees,  teacher.  Costumed 
as  officers  and  sailors  according  to  the  full  regulations  of  the  United 
States  Navy.  For  exact  marching  and  fine  appearance,  this  school  was 
awarded  a beautiful  national  flag. 

Mulberry  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  169;  John  Murray,  major. — 
Mixed  Secondary,  Sallie  M.  Marsh,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Anna 
A.  Rapp,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim.,  Margaret  Reifsnyder,  teacher. — 
Female  Adv.  Prim  , Mary  M.  Hamer,  teacher. — Female  Primary,  Kate 
M.  Knabb,  Blanche  Maguire  and  Amanda  De  H.  Woodward,  teachers. 
— Male  Primary,  Marne  Hemmig  and  Ruth  Bryson,  teachers.  Girls 
wore  white  dresses  and  white  Tam  O’Shanter  hats;  boys,  dark  trousers, 
white  blouses  and  caps;  and  all  a mulberry  leaf  as  an  emblem. 

THIRTEENTH  DIVISION. 

Jerome  Seiders  in  command. 

Tenth  and  Douglass  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  172. — Male 
Grammar,  Kate  E.  Barton,  teacher. — Mixed  Adv.  Prim.,  Naomi  Kinsey, 
teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim  , Annie  M.  Shearer,  teacher. — Male  Adv. 


SCHOOL  PARADE. 


247 


Prim.,  Florence  Fink,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Sarah  Clark  teacher. — 
Male  Primary,  Alice  Hawk,  teacher.— Female  Primary,  Annie  Miller, 
Effie  Hemmig,  teachers.  All  dressed  as  Scotch  Highlanders,  with  caps,, 
kilts  and  sashes  in  shepherd’s  plaid,  and  presented  a very  fine  appearance. 

Twelfth  and  Greenwich  Streets  Building:  total  in  line  196.  Harry  S 
Brown,  colonel. — Female  Adv.  Sec.,  Emma  C.  Houder,  teacher. — 
Mixed  Secondary,  Minnie  Bollman,  teacher. — Female  Secondary,  Edith 

R.  Mengel,  teacher. — Female  Adv  Prim.,  Rebecca  Albright,  teacher. — 
Female  primary,  Mary  H.  Brown,  teacher  — Male  Adv.  Prim  .,  Anna  L 
Glase,  teacher.  — Mixed  Primary,  Eugenia  Ermentrout,  teacher. — Male 
Primary,  Berta  Jones,  teacher.  Girls  and  boys  wore  white  suits  and 
caps  and  red  sashes. 

FOURTEENTH  DIVISION. 

George  Trievel  in  command. 

Marion  Street  Building;  total  in  line,  189.  Jacob  Rothenberger, 
colonel. — Female  Secondary,  Clara  J.  Kissinger,  teacher. — Male  Secon- 
dary, Mayflower  Breeze,  teacher — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Kate  M.  Det- 
weiler,  teacher. — Male  Adv.  Prim  , Lottie  C.  Haage,  teacher —Primary, 
Laura  Eisenhower,  Martha  Goodenough,  Carrie  N.  From  and  Mary 
Fegely,  teachers.  Girls  wore  white  dresses  and  caps  with  sashes  and 
cap  trimmings  in  national  colors;  boys,  white  waists,  dark  trousers, 
with  scarfs  and  yachting  caps  in  national  colors. 

Twelfth  and  Windsor  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  192;  Thomas 
Gring,  colonel. — Advanced  Secondary,  Annie  J.  H.  Printz,  teacher. — 
Female  Secondary,  Rosa  McConnell,  teacher. — Male  Secondary,  Annie 
Reaser,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Mabel  M.  Eby,  teacher. — Male 
Adv.  Prim.,  Emma  R.  Boone,  teacher.— Male  Primary,  Helen  Anthony, 
teacher. — Female  Primary,  Zettan  Gordon,  teacher.— Mixed  Primary, 
Annie  McDonough,  teacher.  Girls  wore  white  dresses,  blue  sashes, 
white  caps  with  scarlet  bows  on  left  side;  boys,  white  waists,  dark  trous- 
ers, blue  sashes,  white  caps  decorated  with  small  flags. 

Tenth  and  Union  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  95.  Mixed  Adv.  Prim  , 
E.  Caroline  Schantz,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Katherine  B.  Eby, 
teacher.— Male  Primary,  Ida  R.  Kirn,  teacher.— Female  Primary,  Anna 

S.  Rankin,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  dresses  and  caps,  and  sashes  of 
national  colors.  Boys  in  white  blouses,  dark  knee  pants,  regalias  in  na- 
tional colors,  white  caps  in  national  colors,  and  Fontleroy  sashes. 

Spring  and  Moss  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  107.  H.  W.  Leinbach, 
colonel.  - Grammar,  Lottie  C.  Reiley,  teacher. — Advanced  Primary, 
Rosa  Ernst,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Eva  Rudisill,  teacher. — Mixed 
Primary,  Florence  Clous,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  dresses  and  caps  and 
belts  of  national  colors.  Boys  in  white  blouses  and  caps  and  ties  in 
national  colors. 

Eleventh  and  Pike  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  80.  C.  E.  Wells, 
colonel. — Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Meta  Orff,  teacher. — Mixed  Adv.  Prim.,  Ella 
Tice,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  E.  Geneva  McDonough,  teacher — Male 


•248 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Primary,  Bessie  Mason,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  dresses,  Tam  O’Shan- 
ter  hats,  and  sashes  in  national  colors;  boys  in  dark  trousers,  white 
waists  and  caps  and  sashes  in  national  colors. 

FIFTEENTH  DIVISION. 

William  K.  Cotterel  in  command. 

McKnight  Building;  total  in  line,  77.  Albert  Lipphard,  lieutenant-colo- 
nel.— Mixed  Adv.  Sec.,  Ida  E.  Ligget,  teacher. — Secondary,  Estella  K. 
Reider,  teacher, — Advanced  Primary.  Mary  Summons,  teacher. — Mixed 
Primary,  Laura  H.  Mills,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  dresses,  blue  sashes, 
red  caps  and  badges;  boys  in  dark  trousers,  white  shirts,  blue  neck  ties, 
red  caps  and  badges.  Howard  Griesemer  was  dressed  as  “Uncle  Sam.” 

Bechteltown  Building;  total  in  line,  88.  David  Faust,  major;  Second- 
ary, Ida  Hobson,  teacher. — Advanced  Primary,  Elizabeth  Edwards  and 
Anna  L.  Heilig.  teachers. — Primary,  Margaret  Cotterel  and  Sallie  G. 
Goodman,  teachers.  Girls  wore  white  dresses  and  Tam  O’Shanter  hats 
with  bands  and  sashes  in  national  colors;  boys,  dark  trousers,  white 
•waists  and  caps,  with  red,  white  and  blue  belts  and  bands;  and  all  Ses- 
•qui  Centennial  button  badges. 

Spring  and  Church  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  58.  Charles  Laramy, 
major.— Female  Grammar, Fannie  E. Hobson, teacher. — Advanced  Prim., 
Bertha  Gordon,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Lizzie  Miller,  teacher. — Female 
Primary,  Naomi  Ermentrout,  teacher  Girls  in  white  dress  and  caps 
trimmed  in  national  colors;  boys,  in  dark  trousers,  white  waist  and 
caps  trimmed  in  national  colors. 

SIXTEENTH  DIVISION. 

Charles  H.  Riesling  in  command. 

J H.  Jacobs’  Building;  total  in  line,  62.  Harry  Miller,  colonel;  Edw. 
Schmauder,  lieut. -colonel. — Advanced  Secondary,  Annie  McMichael, 
teacher. — Advanced  Primary,  Lizzie  Bingaman,  teacher. — Primary,  S. 
Emma  Ziemer,  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white;  boys  in  dark  trousers, 
white  blouses  and  belts  in  red,  white  and  blue;  both  wore  white  caps 
with  red,  white  and  blue  bands. 

Schuylkill  Avenue  Building,  No.  1;  total  in  line,  89.  W.  F Slider, 
colonel;  Jos.  Matz,  lieut.-col. — Advanced  Secondary,  Annie  E.  Rettew, 
teacher. — Male  Primary,  Bessie  Ziegler,  teacher. — Male  Advanced  Prim- 
ary, Carrie  K.  Jones,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary,  Estella  B.  Keppelman, 
teacher.  Girls  and  boys  in  regular  dress  with  white  hats. 

Schuylkill  Avenue  Building  No.  2;  total  in  line,  80.  Mixed  Grammar, 
May  C.  Ermentrout,  teacher. — Secondary,  Catharine  Young,  teacher. — 
Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Carrie  M.  Rhoads,  teacher. — Female  Primary,  Jose- 
phine Goodman,  teacher.  Pupils  wore  school  dress  and  white  hats. 

SEVENTEENTH  DIVISION. 

David  F.  Printz  in  command. 

Samuel  Frees  Building;  total  in  line,  171.  William  H.  Bellman, 
•colonel,  Male  Secondary,  Sallie  D.  Missimer,  teacher. — Advanced 


SCHOOL  PARADE. 


249 


Primary,  Annie  I.  Seiders,  teacher.  — Male  Primary,  Alma  B.  McMichael 
teacher. — Male  Primary,  Sallie  A.  Darrah,  teacher. — Mixed  Primary, 
Marie  E.  Gragg,  teacher.-  Female  Primary,  Estella  L.  Baker  teacher. — 
Advanced  Primary,  Clara  Jackson,  teacher. — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  Net- 
tie V.  Hughes,  teacher.  Girls  dressed  in  white,  and  white  caps  in 
national  colors.  Boys  in  white  waists-  and  caps  trimmed  in  national 
colors.  Male  Secondary  dressed  in  white  hats  and  blouses  and  carried 
tin  axes. 

Seventeenth  and  Cotton  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  75;  D.  A Sny- 
der, colonel. — Female  Adv.  Prim.,  MarvS.  Herbein,  teacher. — Male  Adv. 
Prim.,  Caroline  E.  Cressman,  teacher.— Male  Primary,  Elizabeth  Yorgey, 
teacher. — Female  Primary,  Florence  Smith,  teacher.  Girls  in  white 
dresses  and  caps  and  red  badges.  Boys  in  white  waists  and  caps,  and 
belts  in  red,  white  and  blue. 

Perkiomen  Avenue  Building;  total  in  line,  204;  Charles  Longacre, 
colonel. — Male  Grammar,  Fannie  I.  Hughes,  teacher. — Female  Gram- 
mar, Elberta  Richards,  teacher.  — Male  Adv.  Sec.,  Mary  J.  Murray, 
teacher. — Mixed  Adv.  Sec.,  Clara  L.  Maxton,  teacher  — Mixed  Secon- 
dary, Mrs.  Sallie  B.  Kutz,  teacher. — Mixed  Adv.  Prim.,  Anna  Clouser, 
teacher. — Male  Primary,  Kate  Mitchell,  teacher. — Female  Primary, 
Annabel  Ruth,  teacher.  Girls  in  white  trimmed  in  national  colors; 
and  of  grammar  department  carried  Japanese  parasols;  boys  of  gram- 
mar grade  wore  dark  trousers  with  white  stripes,  dark  coats,  white  caps 
and  ties  in  national  colors,  carrying  canes,  and  of  Advanced  Secondary, 
dark  trousers,  with  white  stripes,  white  waists  and  caps  and  belts  in 
national  colors. 

Sixteenth  and  Haak  Streets  Building;  total  in  line,  84;  Charles  Wick, 
colonel. — Mixed  Secondary,  Emily  F.  Pollard,  teacher.— Mixed  Adv. 
Prim.,  Martha  S.  Bower,  teacher. — Male  Primary,  Lulu  Harrison, 
teacher.  — Female  Primary,  Gertrude  Gerhart,  teacher.  Girls  in 
white;  boys  in  white  blouses  and  dark  trousers;  all  wearing  white 
hats;  guards  carrying  guns. 

Preparatioji  for  Parade. — For  some  weeks  before  the  Ses- 
qui- Centennial,  the  pupils  of  all  the  schools,  from  the  lowest 
grade  tp  the  highest,  were  drilled  in  marching  evolutions,  and 
they  showed  great  interest  in  the  exercise.  The  movements 
were  generally  made  on  the  streets  in  the  vicinity  of  the  respec- 
tive buildings,  and  they  attracted  much  attention  throughout  the 
city.  The  parents  generally  encouraged  the  undertaking,  and 
willingly  supplied  the  extra  dress  and  decoration  for  the  parade. 
When  the  day  came,  the  community  was  naturally  excited,  and 
took  unusual  interest  in  the  proposed  public  demonstration. 
The  display  proved  a wonderful  success  and  highly  gratifying  to 
everybody.  It  was  admittedly  the  greatest  and  best  of  all  the 


250 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


displays.  The  numerous  pages  taken  up  in  this  volume  in  its 
presentation  are  entirely  warranted,  and  the  Committee  on  His- 
tory expressed  regret  that  the  names  of  all  pupils,  who  acted  as 
officers  of  the  respective  companies,  could  not  be  made  a part 
of  this  report. 

Prize  Flag. — Wm.  Blough,  representing  the  Blough  Manu- 
facturing Co. , manufacturers  of  flags,  of  Harrisburg,  having  sold 
a large  number  of  national  flags  at  Reading  for  the  Sesqui-Cen- 
tennial,  and  appreciating  the  School  Parade,  offered  a fine  bunt- 
ing flag,  12  by  1 8 feet,  as  a prize  for  the  building  whose  pupils 
showed  the  highest  number  of  points  as  to  number,  appearance 
and  marching,  and  he  selected  four  judges  to  award  the  prize. 
After  the  parade,  the  flag  was  awarded  to  the  school  from  Tenth 
and  Green  Building.  The  averages  of  the  several  buildings 
were  as  follows: — 

Boys’  High  School,  6o;  Girls’  High  School,  90;  Girls’  High  School, 
second  division,  75;  Girls’  High  School,  third  division,  85;  Seventh  and 
Laurel,  75;  Ninth  and  Spruce,  80;  Franklin  and  Peach,  75;  St.  Peter’s,  75; 
Sixth  and  Chestnut,  80;  Chestnut^md  Carpenter,  90;  Third  and  Franklin, 
70;  Hockley  Lane,  80;  Washington  Street,  75;  Buttonwood  an‘d  Pear,  70; 
St.  John’s,  65;  Fourth  and  Elm,  65;  Poplar  Street,  70;  St.  Paul’s,  75; 
Tenth  and  Walnut,  85;  Tenth  and  Washington,  70;  Ninth  and  Elm,  87; 
Twelfth  and  Buttonwood,  80;  Twelfth  and  Chestnut,  80;  St.  Mary’s,  70; 
Tenth  and  Green,  90;  Mulberry  street,  85;  Tenth  and  Douglass,  90; 
Twelfth  and  Greenwich,  70;  Ninth  and  Marion,  75;  Tenth  and  Union,  78; 
Spring  and  Moss,  80;  Twelfth  and  Windsor,  90;  Eleventh  and  Pike,  80; 
Church  and  Oley,  70;  Spring  and  Church,  80;  Pear  and  Exeter,  80; 
Schuylkill  Avenue,  70;  Thirteenth  and  Cotton,  80;  Seventeenth  and 
Cotton,  60;  Perkiomen  Avenue,  85;  Sixteenth  and  Hawk,  75. 

ILLUMINATION  AND  CONCERT. 

Evening. — Pursuant  to  the  official  program,  in  respect  to  the 
illumination  of  private  residences  all  over  the  city,  the  people 
made  a general  response  by  lighting  up  the  stores  of  their  re- 
spective buildings  with  gas,  electricity,  lamps  and  lanterns, 
thereby  indicating  a general  co-operation  on  their  part  to  make 
the  anniversary  a success.  Penn  street  was  crowded  with 
people,  including  many  strangers.  The  search  lights  on  the 
Grand  Opera  House  and  Prison  Tower  were  operated  actively. 
And  Carsonia  Park  was  largely  patronized. 

In  the  evening,  Penn  Common  was  crowded  with  a multitude 
of  men,  women  and  children,  residents  of  Reading  and  visiting- 
strangers,  who  had  assembled  to  attend  the  Grand  Choral  Con- 


GRAND  CHORAL  CONCERT. 


251 


cert  of  500  voices,  accompanied  by  the  Germania  Band  with  35 
instruments,  and  Prof.  Edward  A.  Berg,  musical  director.  A 
platform  was  constructed  along  the  embankment  at  the  south 
end  of  the  park  circle,  80  feet  wide  and  45  feet  deep,  with  10 
tiers  of  seats  for  the  singers,  and  a front  extension  for  the  musi- 
cal director  and  the  band.  It  was  handsomely  decorated  and 
festooned  with  national  flags  and  bunting,  and  brilliantly  lighted 
with  five  arc  lights  and  numerous  Japanese  lanterns,  producing 
a most  pleasing  effect.  The  program  comprised  sacred  and  pa- 
triotic selections,  all  of  which  were  rendered  in  a manner  that 
reflected  the  highest  credit  upon  all  the  participants. 

It  was  as  follows: — 


“My  Country,  ’tis  of  Thee,” 

“The  Heavens  are  Telling,’’ — (Creation)  . . . . 

Overture — “Mirella,”  Germania  Band 

Festival  Hymn 

“Let  the  Hills  Resound”  

Reading’s  Sesqui-Centennial  Hymn | 

March — “Stars  and  Stripes,”  Germania  Band  . . 

Hallelujah  Chorus — (Messiah) 

“To  Thee,  O Country” 

Gloria  in  Excelsis — (Twelfth  Mass) 

Caprice — “Lutzow’s  Wild  Hunt,”  Germania  Band 

Soldiers’  Chorus — (Faust) 

“The  Star  Spangled  Banner”  . 


America 

Haydn 

Gounod 

....  Dudley  Buck 

B.  Richards 

Thos.  C Zimmerman 
Theo.  I.  Heizmann 

Sousa 

Handel 

J.  Eichberg 

Mozart 

Weiss 

Gounod 

F.  S.  Key 


The  concert  was  opened  promptly  at  8 o’clock  and  continued 
for  two  hours  without  a single  break  or  disturbance  of  any  kind. 
The  highest  degree  of  enthusiasm  prevailed,  and  this  created 
mutual  confidence  that  inspired  extraordinary  co-operation. 
Everbody  was  delighted  and  the  public  appreciation  was  mani- 
fested at  the  end  of  every  piece,  vocal  and  instrumental,  by' 
rapturous  applause.  This  was  particularly  so  when  the  last 
selection  was  sung.  Each  of  the  singers  had  concealed  a small 
national  flag,  and  just  as  the  words,  “Gave  proof  through  the 
night  that  our  flag  was  still  there”  were  uttered,  it  was  waved 
in  triumph,  thrilling  the  vast  audience. 

The  rendition  of  the  Sesqui-Centennial  hymn,  adopted  by  the 
Executive  Committee,  was  also  highly  appreciated.  The  music 
was  composed  by  Theodore  I.  Heizmann,  and  the  hymn  by 
Thos.  C.  Zimmerman,  both  of  Reading,  for  the  occasion,  which 
were  as  follows: 


252 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


SESQUI-CENTENNIAL  HYMN. 


All  hail  to  Reading’s  name  and  fame  ! 

And  let  the  welkin  ring 
With  song  and  shout  and  roundelay, 

As  we  together  sing. 

And  may  our  songs,  with  glad  acclaim, 
To  heav’n,  like  incense,  rise, 

While  glowing  hearts  in  tones  proclaim 
Her  glory  to  the  skies. 


’Tis  sev’n  score  years  ago  and  ten 
Since  this  fair  town  was  born; 

Its  sweet  young  life  must  have  exhaled 
A breath  like  rosy  morn. 

So  let  us  sing  till  yonder  hills 
Send  back  the  joyous  song; 

Till  echoing  dales  and  rippling  rills 
The  gladsome  sound  prolong. 


Let  others  tread  life’s  stately  halls, 
Where  princely  pleasures  flow; 

Give  us  our  homes,  like  jewels  set 
In  evening’s  sunset  glow. 

And  may  our  hearts,  in  swelling  pride, 
Forget  not  those  of  old  — 

The  men  of  Reading’s  pristine  days — 
Whose  hearts  have  long  grown  cold. 


Let  all,  therefore,  with  mingled  voice, 
Repeat  the  glad  refrain; 

Let  civic  pride,  in  flowing  tide, 
Rejoice  with  might  and  main. 

And  God,  the  Father  of  us  all, 

With  his  protecting  care, 

Will  bless  us  while  we  praise  in  song 
Our  city,  bright  and  fair. 


SESQUI-CENTENNIAL  HYMN. 


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254 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  8TH. 

Moi'ning. — The  Committee  on  Reception  from  n o’clock  to 
i o’clock  received  a number  of  prominent  men  from  the  sur- 
rounding counties  who  filled  representative  positions,  being 
stationed  in  the  bar  area  of  the  Court  room,  and  while  this  was 
done  the  Germania  Band  discoursed  a fine  program  of  instru- 
mental music  on  the  balcony  of  the  Court  House. 

From  9 to  9.30  o’clock  the  Pompier  Life  Saving  Corps  of 
the  Friendship  Fire  Co.,  gave  a fine  exhibition  on  the  front  of 
the  Bright  Hardware  Store,  Penn  Square,  which  consisted  of 
ladder  drill,  ascent  of  building,  time  drill,  rope  exercise,  rescu- 
ing persons,  and  raising  chemical  hose.  It  was  witnessed  by  a 
large  number  of  persons  and  loudly  applauded. 

firemen’s  parade. 

Afternoon. — The  parade  of  the  Volunteer  Fire  Department  of 
Reading  was  held  during  the  afternoon.  The  column  started  at 
1.45  o’clock,  and  marched  over  the  following  route:  Up  Penn 
on  south  side  from  Second  to  Fifth,  thence  to  Pine,  counter- 
marched to  left  to  Penn,  thence  to  Perkiomen  avenue  and  Thir- 
teenth. Before  the  end  of  the  line  had  reached  Penn  square,  a 
fire  broke  out  at  No.  518  on  the  square.  Alarm  box  37  was 
sounded,  and  immediately  there  was  great  confusion,  and  the 
parade  was  necessarily  abandoned.  The  response  was  prompt 
and  the  firemen  soon  controlled  the  fire. 

LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Germania  Band,  40  men. 

Chief  marshal,  George  W.  Miller,  Chief  Engineer  of  the  Reading 
fire  department,  riding  a large  white  horse.  Aids,  Morris  Weaver,  as- 
sistant engineer,  first  district;  Calvin  Addis,  assistant  engineer,  second 
district;  Jefferson  M.  Keller,  (Rainbow,)  Fred  W.  Lauer,  (Junior,) 
William  R.  McFarland,  (Reading  Hose,)  Calvin  Addis,  (Neversink,) 
Harry  Dease,  (Friendship,)  A.  K.  Deysher,  (Liberty,)  Edward  Yeager, 
(Keystone,)  PeterS.  Holl,  (Washington,)  John  Gallagher,  (Hampden,) 
E.  R.  Youse,  (Marion,)  Charles  Sellers,  (Riverside, ) Valentine  Hain, 
(Schuylkill.) 

The  aids  wore  handsome  silk  badges,  the  gift  of  Mr.  Miller,  each 
bearing  his  picture,  inscribed  “Our  Chief.”  Assistant  engineer  Weaver 
rode  Chief  Miller’s  fine  horse  “Lady,”  and  following  the  aids  was 
Chief  Miller’s  fire  trap  drawn  by  his  well  known  fire  horse  “Harry.” 
The  vehicle  was  decorated  with  flags. 


FIREMEN’S  PARADE,  JUNE  8,  1898. 


■' 

!•  v 


firemen’s  parade. 


255 


FIRST  DIVISION. 

Ringgold  band,  40  men;  Independence  drum  corps,  10  men. 

Rainbow  Fire  Company,  No.  1,  George  Kemp,  captain,  80  men, 
wearing  handsome  blue  uniforms  carrying  state  and  national  flags. 
Seventy  of  the  veteran  members  turned  out,  commanded  by  William 
Leitheiser.  They  wore  their  old  equipments  consisting  of  old  style  red 
fire  hats  and  capes.  Louis  Eisenhower,  the  oldest  member  of  the  company 
was  in  line.  He  has  been  a member  for  half  a century.  The  hose 
carriage  and  steam  fire  engine,  handsomely  decorated  and  drawn  by 
heavy  gray  horses,  were  in  line.  Marshal,  Andrew  Bear;  aids,  Howard 
Bernhart,  Arthur  Brunner,  Elmer  Levan,  George  Roland. 

Delegations  of  the  Columbia  Fire  Company,  No.  1,  of  Columbia,  in 
charge  of  Chief  Engineer  Kinzer  Hockey,  20  men;  and  the  Volunteer 
Firemen’s  Association  of  Philadelphia,  25  men,  in  charge  of  William 
F.  Totten,  were  in  line  as  guests. 

Allentown  band  of  Allentown,  30  men.  Junior  Fire  Company,  No.  2, 
Ellis  B.  Moyer,  captain,  130  men  in  line,  wearing  fawn  overcoats,  black 
hats  and  white  shields.  Ex-Chief  Howard  F.  Boyer  was  in  line.  The 
engine  and  hose  carriage  were  finely  decorated.  Marshal,  John  H. 
Root;  aids,  George  H.  Young,  Harry  T.  VanReed,  Louis  Battenfeld, 
Joel  Krick,  Cyrus  G.  Schultz,  William  B.  Koch,  Joseph  Saylor.  Colum- 
bia Fire  Company,  No.  4,  of  Allentown,  70  men,  wearing  new  uniforms, 
led  by  Pioneer  band  of  Allentown. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Sheridan  band,  30  men;  Reading  Hose  Company,  65  men,  Benj.  E. 
Houser,  captain,  wearing  drab  coats,  firemen’s  hats,  blue  shirts,  black 
ties  and  trousers.  The  engine  and  old  ambulance  were  in  line.  Mar- 
shal, John  E.  Spears;  aids,  Henry  Kieser,  Frank  Hahn,  John  F.  Hahn. 

Catasauqua  band,  30  men;  Good  Will  Fire  Company,  of  Allentown, 
51  uniformed  men,  commanded  by  C.  H.  Cohn,  wearing  blue  uniforms, 
white  helmets  and  buff  gauntlet  gloves. 

Athletic  band,  24  men;  Neversink  Fire  Company,  Oscar  Neudoerffer, 
captain.  70  uniformed  men,  wearing  gray  coats,  blue  trousers,  green 
hats  and  belts.  Their  apparatus  was  trimmed  with  flags  and.  flowers. 
Marshal,  F.  C.  Clemson:  aid,  John  Devine. 

Fairview  band,  30  pieces;  Fairview  Fire  Company,  of  Bethlehem,  S. 
Charles  Seckelman,  captain,  80  men,  wearing  blue  sack  coats  and  caps. 
Delegations  of  Citizens’  Fire  Company,  of  Harrisburg,  12  men;  South 
Penn  Fire  Company,  of  Philadelphia,  20  men;  Liberty  Fire  Company,  of 
Allentown,  12  men.  Ex-Chief  Rdbinson,  of  Wilmington,  marched  in 
line. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

Third  Brigade  band,  of  Pottsville,  40  men;  Friendship  Fire  Company, 
65  men,  and  apparatus;  Edward  F.  Levan,  marshal;  aids,  William 
Embree,  John  W.  Morrison,  Francis  A.  Eisenbise,  George  Ganter  and 


256 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Thomas  Bausher.  Members  wore  light  coats,  blue  caps  and  black 
trousers.  Delegations  of  the  fire  departments  of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y., 
and  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  were  with  them.  Pompier  fire  corps  of  the  Friend- 
ship Fire  Company,  10  men,  Ira  C.  Becker,  captain.  Darktown  fire 
brigade  of  the  Friendship  company,  hose  cart,  carriage  and  truck,  25 
men,  Samuel  Levan,  captain.  The  brigade  created  much  amusement. 
Members  were  dressed  in  grotesque  uniforms. 

Steelton  band,  of  Steelton,  Pa.,  40  pieces;  Liberty  Fire  Co.,  140  men 
in  line,  in  uniform  of  blue  coat,  vest  and  trousers,  white  hat  and  belt. 
Charles  Morris,  captain.  All  presented  a fine  appearance.  The  engine 
and  wagon  were  in  line.  Marshal,  James  E Devine;  aids,  Thomas 
Devine,  Wm.  H.  Smith.  John  Till,  Peter  Weidner,  Johu  Patton,  Charles 
Graeff,  Jacob  Allgaier,  Wm.  B.  Schaeffer. 

FOURTH  DIVISION 

Liberty  band,  25  men;  Washington  Hook  and  Ladder  Fire  Company, 
80  men,  uniform  of  light  coat,  red  shirt  and  cap;  Peter  S.  Holl,  captain. 
Marshal,  Edward  Price;  aids,  Edwin  Diener.  William  Quinter.  Mem- 
bers had  their  new  chemical  engine,  truck  and  hose  carriage  in  line.  A 
number  of  guests  from  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  Richmond,  Va.,  accom- 
panied them. 

Perseverance  band,  of  Lebanon,  28  men;  Keystone  Hook  and  Ladder 
Company,  40  men,  in  uniform  of  light  gray  coats,  caps  and  dark  trous- 
ers. Marshal,  John  Oschman;  aid,  John  C.  Krebs;  captain,  Theodore 
Kendall.  Their  entire  apparatus  was  in  line. 

Peekskill  Fire  Company,  of  Peekskill,  N.  Y.,  20  men,  Edmund  Gavin, 
captain;  Fairmount  Truck  Company,  of  Norristown,  60  men,  in  citizens’ 
dress. 

FIFTH  DIVISION. 

Althouse’s  band,  of  Shoemakersville,  20  men;  Hampden  Fire  Com- 
pany, 55  uniformed  men,  Samuel  Bowers,  captain.  Marshal,  John 
Gallagher;  aids,  Albert  Smith,  Arch  Reber,  Edward  Marquett.  Mem- 
bers were  attired  in  drab  uniforms.  Engine  was  drawn  by  four  black 
horses  and  decorated  with  flowers.  Winona  band,  of  Shillington,  20 
men;  Marion  Fire  Company,  40  men.  Marshal,  George  Trievel;  aids, 
Ellsworth  Zwover,  Harry  Seiders,  Howard  Hemmig;  captain,  E.  R. 
Youse.  Members  wore  drab  uniforms.  Their  guests  included  delega- 
tions from  the  Niagara  Fire  Company,  of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  and 
the  Paxton  Fire  Company,  of  Harrisburg.  Carriage  and  engine  in  line, 
beautifully  decorated. 

SIXTH  DIVISION. 

Riverside  band,  15  men;  Riverside  Fire  Company,  25  uniformed  men. 
Marshal,  John  Phillips;  aid,  J.  R.  Schwenk;  captain,  John  S.  Weber. 
Gray  uniform  was  worn.  The  apparatus  was  in  line. 

Sinking  Spring  cornet  band,  20  men;  Schuylkill  Fire  Company,  52 
men  in  blue  uniforms  and  apparatus.  Marshal,  Edward  Yoe;  aid,  John 
Hiester;  captain,  Joseph  Anthony.  Guests  of  the  company  included  35 


FIRE  ON  PENN  SQUARE,  JUNE  8,  1898. 


firemen’s  parade. 


257 


uniformed  members  of  the  Goodwill  Hook  and  Ladder  Company,  of 
Atlantic  City,  N.  J.;  Charles  Matthews  was  marshal.  They  had  their  fire 
patrol  drawn  by  two  roan  horses,  led  by  the  Eagle  Drum  Corps,  15  men. 
They  wore  a blue  uniform. 

Fire  on  Penn  Square. — At  2.45  o’clock,  when  the  head  of 
the  column  was  marching  along  Penn  Common  and  everybody 
was  complimenting  the  grand  appearance  of  the  firemen  from 
Penn  square  along  the  entire  line,  suddenly,  and  to  the  amaze- 
ment of  the  many  thousands  of  people  who  were  stationed  on 
the  sidewalks,  an  alarm  of  fire  was  sounded  and  a general  feel- 
ing of  joy  and  congratulation  was  turned  into  surprise  and  fear. 
Immediately  the  entire  line  was  broken  up,  and  the  vigilant  and 
capable  firemen  directed  their  apparatus  towards  the  locality  of 
the  alarm.  The  number  of  the  box  was  ascertained  in  a few 
moments,  and  then  they  moved  swiftly  to  Penn  square.  Their 
dress  and  decorations  were  of  no  consequence  to  them.  Duty 
moved  them  by  a common  impulse.  Their  readiness  and 
promptness  won  general  admiration,  and  demonstrated  in  a 
positive  manner  the  value  and  efficiency  of  the  Reading  Volun- 
teer Fire  Department.  The  Chief  Engineer  and  his  assistants 
were  at  the  burning  building  in  a short  time  and  a number  of  the 
engines  got  to  work  to  control  the  very  threatening  conflagra- 
tion. Words  can  not  describe  the  scene.  The  excitement  on 
Penn  square  presented  a most  impressive  sight.  A dense  cloud 
of  smoke  that  forced  its  way  out  of  the  front  part  of  the  store- 
room at  No.  518,  where  Oppenheim  & Gehring  were  carrying 
on  a cheap  variety  store,  started  the  excitement  and  caused  the 
alarm  of  fire  to  be  given,  and  from  that  store-room  the  smoke- 
and  flames  extended  into  Kefifer’s  queensware  store,  and  Kline, 
Eppihimer  & Co.’s  dry  goods  store  on  the  east.  Before  six 
o’clock  the  fire  alarm  tap  was  sounded,  indicating  that  the  fire 
was  out,  and  the  fears  of  everybody  at  once  subsided.  The 
damage  amounted  to  about  $60,000.  Fortunately  the  air  was 
comparatively  calm,  otherwise  the  damages  might  have  reached 
several  hundred  thousand  dollars,  as  many  people  feared  for  a 
time  they  would  be. 

Evening. — During  the  evening  there  was  no  special  feature,, 
but  general  enjoyment  pervaded  throughout  the  city.  Penn 
street  was  crowded  from  Third  to  Eleventh,  and  so  was  Penn 
Common.  The  great  attractions  were  the  electric  illumination 


258 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


of  the  street  by  about  2,000  lights,  stretched  around  the  Square 
and  across  the  thoroughfare  below  Fourth  and  above  Sixth,  at 
many  places.  The  search  lights  exhibited  from  the  top  of  the 
Prison  tower  and  the  Grand  Opera  House,  the  Eddy  kites 
rqised  above  Penn  Common,  and  the  numerous  Japanese 
lanterns  in  the  Common  and  Reservoir,  nearly  1,000,  the  latter 
not  so  brilliant  as  the  former  but  nevertheless  very  interesting 
and  attractive. 

Waynesboro  Delegation. — The  Committee  who  had  in  charge 
the  celebration  of  the  centennial  of  Waynesboro,  Pa.,  in  1897, 
by  invitation  of  the  Executive  Committee,  visited  Reading  upon 
the  occasion  of  its  Sesqui-Centennial.  They  arrived  Wednes- 
day evening,  and  the  Executive  Committee,  led  by  the  Ring- 
gold  Band,  received  them  at  the  P.  & R.  R.  Union  station,  and 
escorted  them  to  the  Mansion  House.  The  following  persons 
comprised  the  delegation: — J.  H.  Stoner,  president;  W.  T.  Om- 
wake,  vice  president;  J.  J.  Miller,  treasurer;  E.  W.  Gardner, 
secretary;  A.  W.  Stocker,  D.  M.  Good,  Jr.,  W.  J.  C.  Jacobs, 
I.  E.  Yost,  J.  H.  Deardoff,  J.  B.  Raby,  A.  H.  Strieker,  G.  A. 
Anderson,  J.  C.  Criswell,  J.  M.  Wolff,  T.  B.  Smith,  J.  R. 
Ruthrauff,  Samuel  Haeflich  and  George  B.  Beaver.  On  Thurs- 
day they  called  at  the  headquarters  and  registered  their  names, 
and  during  the  day  rode  over  the  mountain  railways,  observed 
the  Industrial  Parade  and  the  general  decoration  of  the  City,  and 
left  in  the  evening  much  pleased  with  the  trip. 

THURSDAY,  JUNE  9TH. 

Morning. — At  the  Court  House,  from  n o’clock  to  i o’clock, 
the  Reception  Committee  received  a number  of  prominent  indi- 
viduals from  different  parts  of  the  State,  including  judges, 
national  and  state  officials.  The  Governor  of  Pennsylvania  had 
accepted  the  invitation  to  visit  Reading  to-day,  but  he  was 
obliged  to  send  his  regrets  on  account  of  important  engage- 
ments in  connection  with  supplying  and  forwarding  troops  from 
the  State  for  the  war  with  Spain.  The  President  of  the  United 
States  was  obliged  to  decline  the  invitation  owing  to  the  war 
and  many  important  matters  that  required  his  constant  presence 
at  Washington. 

INDUSTRIAL  PARADE. 

Afterjiooji. — This  was  “Industrial  Day,”  and  great  prepara- 
tions had  been  made  for  many  weeks  by  numerous  manufactur- 


INDUSTRIAL  PARADE,  JUNE  9,  1898. 


INDUSTRIAL  PARADE. 


259 


ers,  merchants  and  business  men  for  its  proper  observance. 
The  parade  took  place  in  the  afternoon  from  2 to  5 o’clock,  and 
persons  along  the  route  expressed  great  admiration  over  the 
different  displays,  more  especially  that  of  Dives,  Pomeroy 
& Stewart  who  made  the  greatest  exhibition,  expending  more 
than  several  thousand  dollars  in  its  preparation. 

The  route  of  the  parade  was  up  Penn  street,  from  Fourth  to 
Eleventh,  thence  along  Perkiomen  avenue  to  Franklin  street, 
thence  to  Tenth,  to  Penn,  to  Fifth,  thence  along  east  side  of 
Fifth  to  Pine  and  countermarch  on  west  side  to  Franklin,  thence 
to  Fourth,  to  Penn  square  and  dismissed.  The  Executive  Com- 
mittee halted  on  south  side  of  Penn  square  above  Fifth,  and  re- 
viewed the  parade  as  it  passed. 

LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Chief  Marshal,  John  E.  Harbster. 

Chief  of  Staff,  James  R.  Kenney;  aids,  Matthan  Harbster,  H.  C. 
England,  A.  Thaiheimer,  W.  Harry  Orr,  Geo.  W.  Beard,  W H.  Mohn, 
John  G.  Mohn,  Charles  L.  Hoff,  H.  M.  Sternberg,  Clarence  H.  Sem- 
bower,  Wm.  H.  Shick,  Thos.  D.  Bausher,  John  R.  Miller,  Albert  A. 
Gery,  Charles  S.  Prizer,  Harry  Wilhelm,  Fred.  W.  Lauer,  J.  S.  Klees, 
Hiram  K.  Getz,  Henry  J.  Zabel. 

Executive  Committee  and  invited  guests  in  carriages,  preceded  by  the 
Germania  band  and  drum  corps. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

The  first  division  comprised  the  displays  and  employees  of  three  of 
the  most  prominent  establishments  at  Reading.  Marshal,  Isaac  . G. 
Treat;  aids,  E.  E.  Moore,  John  Kissinger,  G.  N.  Jacobi,  Geo.  Schaffer, 
John  D.  Van  Reed,  W.  B.  Gross,  Jos.  Roeser,  Calvin  Boyer. 

Reading  Hardware  Company  had  two  floats,  1047  men  and  boys,  and 
four  bands  of  music  in  line,  one  float  representing  “Progress”  with  a 
small  bell  showing  how  the  50  employees  were  called  to  work  when  they 
started  in  1852,  and  a large  steam  whistle  to  call  their  present  employees, 
1200  in  number,  and  the  other  representing  a screw  machine  in  operation. 

Penn  Hardware  Co.  had  500  men  and  boys  in  line  with  a band  of 
music  and  large  float  bearing  an  inscription  with  the  autograph  of  Wm. 
Penn,  in  the  following  words: — “I  am  much  surprised  at  the  progress 
Reading  has  made  since  1748.  But  1 am  still  more  astonished  at  the 
growth  of  the  Penn  Hardware  Co.,  named  after  me.” 

Reading  Stove  Works,  Orr,  Painter  & Co.,  had  a large  decorated  float 
with  heating  stoves  and  ranges,  and  a donkey  cart  with  a stove  and  two 
employees  dressed  as  negroes.  They  had  in  line  200  men  and  boys,  and 
Sinking  Spring  Band. 

As  the  division  passed  along,  square  after  square,  numerous  expres- 


26o 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


sions  of  surprise  were  made  at  the  great  number  of  persons  employed 
by  these  three  prosperous  enterprises,  and  they  presented  the  status  of 
industrial  affairs  at  Reading  in  1898  in  a most  impressive  manner.  The 
first  part  of  the  division  wore  dark  trousers,  white  coats  and  caps;  the 
second,  white  caps,  sweaters  and  trousers  with  canes;  and  the  third, 
ordinary  dress,  attracting  much  attention,  and  constituting  a fine  intro- 
duction to  the  parade. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

The  second  division  was  the  Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart  Department 
Stores,  and  constituted  the  longest  and  most  expensive  division  and 
most  attractive  display  in  the  parade,  the  floats  being  the  finest  ever 
seen  at  Reading  in  a public  demonstration.  The  marshal  of  the  divis- 
ion was  Jacob  F.  Custer,  and  his  aids  were  Mahlon  Seidel,  Rolandus  R. 
Snyder,  Solon  D.  Bausher,  John  A.  Burkey,  E.  Martin  Neiswanger,  and 
Harry  E.  Eisenberg.  Then  followed  the  Ringgold  band,  with  60  musi- 
cians; the  United  States  flag,  Reading  flag,  and  D.  P.  &.  S.  banner; 
6 carriages  with  the  members  of  the  firm,  Josiah  Dives  and  George  M. 
Pomeroy,  their  cashier  and  confidential  clerk  for  many  years,  John  E. 
Lewis,  and  their  representatives  in  the  syndicate  and  the  department 
stores  at  Harrisburg,  Pottsville,  Pottstown  and  Altoona;  75  male  employ- 
ees, marching  in  sections  of  4 abreast  with  banners  between  each  sec- 
tion; 4 carriages  and  4 Tally-Ho  coaches  with  100  employees;  6 floats; 
6 mounted  aids;  Cadet  band  of  30  men;  54  stock  boys  (9  platoons,  6 
abreast, ) drawing  a fine  chariot  occupied  by  Alice  Miller,  daughter  of 
Albert  R.  Miller,  chief  floor  walker  of  the  firm;  and  ending  the  division 
with  50  cash  boys.  The  whole  was  over  half  a mile  in  length,  and  far 
surpassed  everything  attempted  by  any  firm  or  individual  in  the  history 
of  parades  in  Reading.  The  floats,  briefly  described,  were  as  follows: 
— 1st  float  represented  the  “History  of  Reading”  and  consisted  of  four 
Corinthian  columns  with  connecting  capitals  in  white  and  gold,  and  a 
duplex  revolving  globe.  6 feet  in  diameter,  on  which  were  painted  eight 
different  views  in  the  history  of  the  city. — 2nd  float  had  a similar  design 
with  a revolving  globe  5 feet  in  diameter  on  which  was  painted  the  Read- 
ing store,  and  the  four  branch  department  stores. — 3rd  float  consisted  of  a 
large  square  revolving  stretcher  with  paintings  on  both  sides,  contrast- 
ing the  store  when  the  firm  started  in  1875  with  the  present  extensive 
establishment  in  1898  —4th  float  presented  a large  painting  of  the  U.  S. 
Ship  Maine. — 5th  float  was  designed  to  attract  the  notice  of  the  children 
particularly,  consisting  of  an  electric  dancing  doll  operated  by  a strong 
battery  underneath,  and  six  large  wax  dolls,  all  handsomely  dressed  — 
6th  float  was  composed  of  bicycles,  wheels  and  paraphernalia  about  the 
entire  frame  work,  beautifully  decorated  with  U.  S.  flags  and  shields, 
and  within  the  area  were  5 riders  on  bicycles,  3 girls  and  2 boys.  The 
designs,  paintings,  decorations  and  arrangement  of  the  several  displays 
were  highly  artistic  and  very  attractive,  winning  great  applause  along 
the  entire  route. 


INDUSTRIAL  PARADE. 


26l 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

William  H.  Luden,  marshal  of  the  division. 

The  third  division  included  a number  of  attractive  displays,  as  follows: 

Gately  & Britton,  three  walking  letters,  G.  & B.,  representing  the 
initials  of  the  installment  firm,  being  transparencies  supported  by 
boys;  various  kinds  of  furniture  made  and  carried  in  the  same  manner; 
an  engine,  with  emitting  smoke  and  steam,  propelled  by  concealed  bicy- 
cle riders  and  accompanied  by  an  engineer  and  fireman,  with  a freight 
car  attached;  and  a float  with  a disappearing  gun  which  threw  explod- 
ing shells  that  scattered  advertising  matter.  This  display,  requiring  42 
men  and  boys,  was  unique,  attracted  great  attention  and  excited  much 
comment  and  applause. 

Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Co.  was  represented  by  the  local  agent  S 
S.  Davies  in  a carriage  decorated  with  flags,  followed  by  40  solicitors  in 
ordinary  dress  with  white  canvas  hats,  canes  and  souvenir  badges. 

United  States  Express  Co.  had  its  superior  wagon  in  line,  which  was 
exhibited  at  the  World’s  Fair,  drawn  by  four  heavy  gray  horses  and 
decorated  with  United  States  flags. 

A.  G.  Christman,  float  with  washing  machines. 

A.  K.  Deysher,  furniture  dealer,  displayed  a float  topped  by  a canopy 
in  pink  and  blue,  with  a fine  parlor  suit. 

Henry  Schofer,  baker,  had  a float  drawn  by  four  white  horses,  on 
which  were  seated  25  employees  who  distributed  on  the  wfay  15,000 
small  loaves  of  bread  tied  up  in  white  paper;  also  a delivery  w'agon 
from  which  were  given  3500  fans,  one  side  being  embellished  with  the 
picture  of  a little  girl  carrying  a loaf  of  bread  and  the  other  with  the 
Sesqui-Centennial  Hymn. 

Hercules  Paper  Bag  Co.  displayed  a large  wagon  drawm  by  four  horses 
and  loaded  with  paper  bags  of  various  sizes. 

Jacob  V,  R.  Hunter  displayed  a beautifully  painted  wagon  decorated 
with  the  national  flag,  on  which  w7ere  placed  a fine  kitchen  range  and 
cellar  hot-air  furnace. 

Wm.  H.  Luden’s  candy  factory  wras  represented  by  two  decorated 
floats,  one  showing  candy  rolling  and  from  which  stick  candy  was  thrown 
to  the  crowds  on  the  sidewalks,  and  the  other  a furnace  "with  candy- 
makers  at  work,  pulling  chewing  candy,  cutting  it  up  and  distributing  it 
along  the  route. 

Lessig  & Bro.,  farming  implements,  float  with  2 reapers. 

Charles  Auer,  flour  dealer,  large  decorated  wagon,  with  sheaf  .of 
wheat  and  13  little  girls  dressed  in  national  colors. 

Boyer  & Co.  float  with  storekeepers’  supplies. 

Penn  Wagon  Co.,  large  patent  coal  dumping  wagon,  elevated  14  feet, 
and  decorated. 

G.  A.  Haage,  plumber,  two  floats,  one  with  hot-water  boiler,  and  the 
other  with,  fine  gas  fixtures,  handsomely  decorated. 


262 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


J.  B.  Ganter,  stove  dealer,  &c.,  two  floats,  one  with  a large  Othello 
range,  and  the  other  with  a Mt.  Penn  perfect  hot-air  heater. 

Adams  Express  Co.,  superior  delivery  wagon  weighing  4800  pounds, 
with  dimensions  15  ft.  long,  5 ft.  wide,  and  7 ft.  high,  the  top,  10  ft.  9 in. 
from  the  ground,  and  capacity  almost  equal  to  a freight  car.  It  was 
drawn  by  four  fine  bay  horses  and  sent  from  Philadelphia  expressly  for 
the  parade 

David  Rosenbaum,  clothier,  large  float  with  canopy  decorated  with 
smilax,  drawn  by  four  gray  horses  and  occupied  by  employees  repre- 
sented as  measuring  and  fitting  clothing. 

Leinbach  & Bro.,  clothiers,  three  wagons  in  line;  one,  a band  wagon, 
drawn  by  four  horses  with  18  employees  who  wore  high  silk  hats  and 
carried  red,  white  and  blue  umbrellas;  and  the  others  were  delivery 
wagons,  attractively  decorated.  The  horses  were  covered  with  cloth 
blankets,  embroidered  with  “L.  & B.,”  and  “Leinbach.” 

Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  clothiers,  displayed  a barouche,  drawn 
by  four  horses,  and  occupied  by  four  employees  who  held  a fine  banner 
upright  with  the  inscription:  “Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  the  pioneer 
clothing  house  in  Reading,  established  in  1844.”  And  a bugler  was 
seaed  with  the  driver. 

Hoff  & Bro.,  hardware  dealers,  3 wagons  with  12  employees  and  old 
horse  “Dick,”  in  service  for  20  years. 

Common  Sense  Shoe  Store,  2 decorated  floats  with  25  employees,  dis- 
playing shoes. 

Hoskin  & Giles,  florists,  exhibited  a beautiful  float,  decorated  with 
palms,  flowers  and  greens. 


FOURTH  DIVISION. 

William  Hutchison,  marshal  of  the  division;  aids,  Geo.  Graeff,  Harry 
J.  Ball,  Wm.  O.  Weidenhammer. 

The  fourth  division  was  made  up  as  follows: 

Reading  Bolt  & Nut  Works,  J.  H.  Sternberg  & Son,  proprietors. 
Employees  of  this  great  establishment,  numbering  547,  marched  in  the 
parade.  They  wore  white  hats  and  coats,  and  dark  trousers,  and  carried 
canes;  and  each  was  decorated  with  a badge,  consisting  of  a nickel- 
plated  nut  or  bolt.  They  presented  a fine  appearance  and  constituted 
an  impressive  introduction  of  this  division.  They  marched  under  the 
lead  of  the  Perseverance  band  of  Lebanon,  with  29  musicians. 

Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works  displayed  a large  float  which  had  four  kitchen 
ranges  and  a large  cannon;  and  this  was  followed  by  a number  of  deal- 
ers at  Reading  who  handle  the  heaters  and  ranges  of  the  firm,  with 
wagons  adorned  with  national  flags  and  colors,  greens,  &c. 

Fehr  & O’Rourke,  coal  dealers,  exhibited  3 coal  wagons,  2 large 
wagons  loaded  with  bituminous  coal,  and  3 garbage  wagons  such  as  are 
used  for  removing  city  garbage.  The  firm  took  part  in  the  parade,  rid- 
ing in  a carriage. 


INDUSTRIAL  PARADE. 


263 


FIFTH  DIVISION. 

Albert  F.  Smith,  marshal  of  the  division;  aids,  Custer  S.  Ammon, 
Reuben  Sindel,  W.  Brueckmam,  Jas.  S Ammon,  Geo.  Straub,  W. 
Miller,  W.  H.  Matz. 

Liberty  Band  of  Reading,  with  25  men,  followed  by  the  Retail 
Grocers’  Association,  72  members  on  horseback,  with  officers,  A S. 
Deeter,  president,  and  E.  J.  Morris,  secretary,  in  a carriage. 

B.  & J.  Saylor,  grocers,  decorated  float  with  provisions,  2 delivery 
wagons,  and  12  employees. 

Grand  Union  Tea  Co.,  a float,  consisting  of  a large  tea  pot,  nearly  6 
feet  high,  10  wagons  tastefully  decorated  and  25  employees. 

Bon  Ton  Milliners,  two  floats,  with  30  employees  trimming  hats,  under 
canopies,  with  decorations  in  purple  and  white,  and  national  colors;: 
also  a tandem  team,  drawing  the  firm’s  delivery  wagon,  and  boy  on 
horse  back  with  banner. 

C.  W.  Edwards,  piano  dealer,  fine,  large,  improved,  covered,  latest 
style  wagon  for  delivering  pianos,  painted  green  with  large  mirrors  on 
sides  and  front. 

Louis  Heilbron,  furniture  dealer,  three  floats;  one  representing  a bed- 
room suit  with  white-enameled  furniture  and  brass  trimmings,  and 
canopy  of  red,  white  and  blue;  second,  a delivery  wagon  loaded  with 
carpets  and  rugs;  and  the  third,  employees  at  upholstering. 

H.  L.  Johnson  & Son,  dentists,  float  with  band  of  music  from  Free- 
mansville. 

F.  F.  Seidel,  undertaker,  with  six  hearses,  showing  styles  at  different 
periods: — 1748,  1835,  1850,  1865,  1880,  and  1898.  The  first  was  an  old 
Conestoga  wagon,  drawn  by  four  horses. 

Hunter  Henninger,  undertaker,  fine  white  embalming  wagon,  with 
trimmings  in  national  colors. 

Conrad  Kaltenbach,  brickmaker,  float,  showing  operation  on  a brick 
yard  with  30  men  at  work. 

Charles  W.  Pennock,  grain  dealer,  large  wagon,  loaded  with  grain,, 
drawn  by  3 horses. 

Reading  Installment  Co.,  float  with  furniture,  decorated. 

John  E.  Steinel,  brush  manufacturer,  wagon  with  brushes  of  all  kinds,, 
samples  distributed  on  the  route. 

Jefferson  M.  Keller,  ice  dealer,  float  with  large  cake  of  ice,  4 by  8 feet, 
with  wreath  of  roses  and  national  flag  frozen  in  the  interior,  and  10 
delivery  wagons,  each  drawn  by  a pair  of  heavy  black  horses.  The 
proprietor  and  his  brother-in-law  W.  Benton  Stoltz,  clerk,  led  this  dis- 
play in  a carriage. 

Lauer  Brewing  Co.,  decorated  coach  with  John  M.  Killian,  collector, 
Wm.  Heberle,  superintendent,  and  Harry  J.  Borell,  clerk;  2 large  floats, 
one  representing  King  Gambrinus  and  Uncle  Sam,  and  the  other  Wil- 


264 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Ham  Penn  and  Indians;  and  a wagon  showing  the  different  signs  of  the 
company. 

P.  Barbey  & Son,  float  representing  Fort  Barbey,  being  a large  beer 
cask  with  Uncle  Sam  on  top,  and  Admirals  Dewey  and  Sampson  in 
front;  a carriage  with  superintendent  and  clerks;  large  beer  wagon 
loaded  with  kegs,  and  another  with  employees,  decorated  with  flags. 

Reading  Brewing  Co.,  a large  float  comprising  a hogshead  with  bags 
of  hops  and  malt. 

J.  C.  Stocker,  brewer,  4-horse  wagon  loaded  with  quarter  barrels. 

Roehrich  & Raab,  brewers.  4-horse  wagon  loaded  with  half-barrels, 
and  another  with  malt  and  hops,  illustrating  brewing  in  the  old  style. 

F.  X.  Blessing,  coffee  roaster,  riding  in  a carnage,  with  an  employee. 
Alex.  Koch  riding  after  on  horse-back. 

A.  N.  Kissinger  & Son,  flour  and  grain,  2 decorated  wagons,  loaded 
with  flour. 

Kurtz  & Mayers,  wholesale  grocers,  3 wagons,  one  with  flour,  another 
with  jars  of  pickels,  &c  , and  the  third  with  employees. 

S.  H.  Parke  & Co.,  of  Philadelphia,  dealers  in  coffee,  were  represented, 
in  line  with  a large  delivery  wagon,  throwing  out  samples  of  coffee 
along  the  route. 

SIXTH  DIVISION. 

Charles  W.  Shick,  marshal  of  division;  aids,  Henry  G.  Hintz,  Wm. 
F.  Remppis,  Clifford  F.  Klees. 

This  division  included  the  following: 

Joseph  S.  Bachman,  baker,  two  gaily  decorated  delivery  wagons,  from 
which  small  buns  were  distributed;  preceded  by  a drum  corps. 

Wm.  S.  Miller,  baker,  large  float  wuth  employees  dressed  in  white, 
distributing  buns. 

U.  S.  Bakery,  two  decorated  wagons  from  which  cakes  and  buns  were 
thrown. 

Union  Transfer  Co.,  10  cabs,  2 busses  and  2 express  w'agons,  with  120 
children  from  charitable  institutions,  decorated  with  national  colors  and 
streamers. 

Postal  Cab  service,  5 new  coupes  and  1 old  style,  decorated. 

Charles  Haas,  local  express,  6 decorated  wagons. 

David  L.  Reber,  local  express,  5 decorated  wagons. 

Seibert  & Co.,  2 large  wagons,  drawn  by  four  horses,  with  portable, 
upright  engines  and  supplies 

George  W.  Biehl,  carriage  manufacturer,  decorated  carriage  driven  by 
son  Albert. 

Sebastian  Blimline,  carriage  manufacturer,  carriage,  decorated. 

Acme  Manufacturing  Co.,  2 floats,  one  consisting  of  bicycle  operated 
by  endless  chain,  and  the  other  of  bicycles.  100  employees  were  in 
line,  in  ordinary  dress,  carrying  national  flags. 


CAVALCADE  AND  CORSO  PARADE,  JUNE  10,  1898. 


CAVALCADE  AND  CORSO  PARADE. 


265 


Peoples’  Laundry,  delivery  wagon  decorated. 

Boss  Knitting  Machine  Works,  float  with  knitting  machines,  and  36 
employees.  The  manager,  James  L.  Eck,  rode  in  a carriage. 

Jos.  O.  Flatt  & Co.,  brush-makers,  gaily  decorated  wagon;  on  the 
route  they  distributed  2,000  small  hat  brushes  as  souvenirs. 

Reading  Bottling  Works.  2 wagons;  followed  by  numerous  single 
teams  and  business  wagons,  distributing  advertisements. 

Evening . — In  the  evening  a concert  was  given  on  Penn 
square  in  front  of  the  Mansion  House  by  the  Germania 
Band,  from  8 to  9.30  o’clock,  the  selections  being  as  follows:  — 


March,  “Sesqui-Centennial” Althouse 

Overture,  “William  Tell” Rossini 

Gavotte,  “Royal” ....  Moses 

Selection,  “Lady  Slavey” Kerker 

Potpourri,  “El  Capitan” Sousa 

Selection,  “Fackeltanz  No.  4” Meyerbeer 

March,  “The  Mystic  Shrine” Althouse 


All  the  pieces  were  admirably  rendered  and  won  the  repeated 
applause  of  the  great  crowd  of  persons  that  had  assembled. 
And  this  was  done  notwithstanding  the  prevailing  excitement 
and  the  moving  masses  of  people  to  and  fro  on  both  side-walks 
and  in  the  street.  The  square  under  such  conditions,  together 
with  the  brilliant  illumination1  and  superb  decorations,  presented 
an  indescribable  picture  and  won  unmeasured  praise  for  the 
Executive  Committee,  especially  from  the  many  visiting 
strangers. 

FRIDAY,  JUNE  IOTH. 

Morning. — From  11  to  1 o’clock,  at  the  Court  House,  the 
Reception  Committee  received  a number  of  railroad  officials, 
prominent  among  them  being  the  President  of  the  Philadelphia 
and  Reading  Railway  Co.,  Joseph  S.  Harris.  The  Germania 
Band  rendered  a program  of  music  on  the  balcony. 

CAVALCADE  AND  CORSO  PARADE. 

Afternoon. — During  the  afternoon,  the  Cavalcade  and  Corso 
Parade  was  held,  starting  at  two  o’clock  and  going  over  the 
following  route: — On  Penn  square  from  Fourth  to  Sixth,  to 
Washington,  to  Eighth,  to  Penn,  to  Ninth,  to  Chestnut,  to 
Eleventh,  to  Franklin,  to  Perkiomen  Avenue,  to  Tenth,  to 
Robeson,  to  Ninth,  to  Washington,  to  Second,  to  Penn,  to 
Fourth,  to  Laurel,  to  Fifth,  to  Penn  square,  countermarch,  and 
dismissed. 


266 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Wellington  G.  Woods,  Chief  Marshal,  and  staff,  James  M.  Ammon, 
Harvey  F.  Heinly,  George  A.  Peters,  Henry  B.  Hintz. 

Germania  band  on  a large  wagon  with  canopy  beautifully  decorated 
in  national  colors,  and  drawn  by  eight  heavy  gray  horses. 

Executive  Committee  in  carriages.  The  officers  occupied  the  first 
carriage,  a barouche,  drawn  by  four  horses,  the  other  members  in  car- 
riages drawn  by  two  horses,  all  decorated  in  national  and  city  colors. 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Marshal,  E.  A.  Auerbach;  aids,  Ben.  F.  Austrian  and  Chas.  H.  Schick. 

Tally-Ho,  drawn  by  four  gray  horses,  occupied  by  Fred.  H.  Witman, 
Samuel  N.  Potteiger,  William  Mcllvain,  William  Clymer,  William  Scott, 
Edward  E.  Stetson,  H.  P.  Keiser,  Albert  R.  Bright,  William  Seyfert, 
George  J.  Gross. 

Tally-Ho,  the  finest  and  largest  in  line,  drawn  by  five  gray  horses  and 
occupied  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  D.  Dibert  and  daughter  Blanche,  and 
the  following  invited  guests:  George  W.  Ziegler,  Esq.,  and  wife,  and 
William  H.  Denlinger,  wife  and  son,  of  Phillipsburg,  Pa.;  E.  Clayton 
Poorman,  wife  and  daughter  Myra,  of  Tyrone,  Pa.;  Mrs.  J.  W.  Stofer 
and  daughter  Catharine,  of  Middletown,  Pa. ; Charles  H Armour  and 
wife,  J.  Harry  Leippe  and  wife,  George  W.  Krick  and  wife,  Charles  M. 
Evans  and  wife,  Mrs.  Eugene  P.  Stofer  and  Henry  W.  Snyder,  of  Read- 
ing. A fine  silk  national  flag  was  waved  from  the  top  in  recognition  of 
the  applause  given  the  party  while  passing  over  the  route. 

Tally-Ho,  drawn  by  four  gray  horses,  occupied  by  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Walter  G.  Roland,  son  and  daughter,  and  invited  guests,  Misses  Lillie 
and  Rose  Kessler  and  Esther  Wells,  and  James  S.  Roland  and  wife. 

Tandem  of  fine  brown  horses  in  a new  trap,  beautifully  decorated,  by 
John  M.  Archer  and  wife,  accompanied  by  Miss  Reilly,  of  Washington, 
D.  C.,  and  Joseph  Connard,  of  Reading. 

Tandem  of  spirited  sorrel  horses  in  a decorated  cart  by  Miss  Caroline 
Archer,  accompanied  by  her  sister,  Miss  Mary  Archer. 

George  M.  Britton,  wife  and  daughters,  Leah  and  Mary,  trap,  with 
sorrels,  driven  tandem,  white  harness,  decorated  with  wreaths  and  roses. 

John  Barbey,  fine  decorated  trap  and  two  horses,  occupied  by  three 
daughters,  Ida,  Rose  and  Mary,  and  coachman. 

J.  H.  Sternbergh,  wife  and  three  sons,  two  seated  carriage,  decorated 
with  flowers. 

John  F.  Boyer,  double  carriage,  with  bay  horses,  decorated  with 
plumes  and  bunting,  occupied  by  four  children  of  Morris  Boyer  and 
driver. 

William  H.  Luden,  two  handsome  carriages,  drawn  by  sorrel  horses, 
one  a trotting  buggy  occupied  by  Mr.  Luden  and  wife,  the  other,  a two- 
seated  carriage  occupied  by  Julia  Ritter,  Grace  Frame  and  Miss  Dewees 
and  driver. 


CAVALCADE  AND  CORSO  PARADE. 


267 


Calvin  K.  Whitner,  Chairman  Committee  on  History,  drag,  with 
wheels  decorated  with  daisies,  drawn  by  two  superior  black  horses,  oc- 
cupied by  son  George  S.  Whitner  and  William  K.  Eckert. 

Louis  Heilbron,  two-seated  carriage  and  pair  of  roan  horses,  accom- 
panied by  daughter  Rhea  and  niece  Regina  Heilbron,  of  Philadelphia, 
and  driver. 

Milton  H.  Schnader,  trap,  decorated  with  national  flag  and  city  colors, 
and  pair  of  bay  horses,  accompanied  by  J.  G.  Xander,  of  Lebanon. 

Howard  F.  Boyer,  two-seated  carriage  and  pair  of  black  horses,  with 
very  attractive  white  harness,  accompanied  by  Otto  D.  Noack,  veteri- 
nary surgeon. 

Henry  C.  England,  trap,  decorated  with  flowers  and  bunting,  drawn  by 
bay  horses,  accompanied  by  daughter  Mary  and  Miss  Helen  Strohecker. 

Charles  J.  Hoff,  trap  and  bay  horses,  accompanied  by  E.  W.  James, 
G.  W.  Biehl  and  Wm.  Quick,  latter  from  Phcenixville. 

Augustus  S.  Flicker,  two-seated  carriage,  decorated  with  flags  and 
bunting,  and  pair  of  bays,  accompanied  by  W.  Van  Reed,  Silas  Ermen- 
trout,  and  Levi  Weitzenkorn. 

Edward  Luigard,  two-seated  carriage  with  pair  of  gray  horses,  accom- 
panied by  Fred.  Neudcerffer  and  driver. 

Francis  F.  Seidel,  two-seated  carriage  and  pair  of  black  horses,  ac- 
companied by  wife,  daughter  Florence  and  Ella  E.  Runyeon. 

George  F.  Lance,  two-seated  carriage  and  pair  of  bay  horses,  accom- 
panied by  Mrs.  Lance,  daughter  Mrs.  Buch,  Ruth  Kuehner  and  Eva 
Collins. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

Marshal,  Harry  W.  Crooks;  aids,  Elmer  W.  Dietrich  and  William  B. 
Eckert. 

Athletic  Band  in  a large  wagon,  decorated,  drawn  by  four  horses. 

The  division  was  composed  of  single  teams,  as  follows: 

Wm.  L.  Graul  and  father,  with  flag  presented  to  him  in  1888  by  the 
188th  Reg’t  Penna.  Vols.,  in  top  buggy. 

John  B.  Raser,  Chairman  of  Committee  on  Former  Residents,  Rugby 
trap,  decorated,  accompanied  by  Dr.  G.  Prentice  Raser,  of  Philadelphia, 
and  Dr.  Wm.  Weis,  of  New  York,  with  driver. 

J.  C.  Lindsey,  of  Philadelphia,  trap,  decorated,  with  driver. 

Daniel  J.  Hendel  and  son  Stanley  in  top  buggy  with  rubber  tires. 

C.  W.  Edwards,  and  dog,  in  trotting  buggy  with  rubber  tires. 

John  G.  Niethammer  with  bicycle  sulky  drawn  by  trotter  “Major  N.” 

D.  Wellington  Dietrich,  accompanied  by  Solomon  Brumbach,  in  ball 
bearing  buggy;  and  another  buggy  occupied  by  Abraham  Klopp  with 
Eugene  Copenhaver,  from  Washington,  D.  C. 


268 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


C.  A.  Dougherty,  superintendent  of  Union  Transfer  Co.,  had  three 
cabs,  with  drivers,  decorated  with  red,  white  and  blue  trimmings. 

Harry  W.  Crooks,  buggy  occupied  by  Henry  and  Thomas  Heckman, 
employees. 

Bert  G.  Bubp  and  Harry  Ahrens,  top  buggy. 

Harry  Shick  and  wife,  top  buggy. 

Robert  H.  Reith  and  pet  dog  l‘Uno,”  in  decorated  top  buggy. 

Wm.  M.  Fulton’s  carriage  occupied  by  Mrs.  Fulton  and  daughter 
Jennie  and  Mrs.  R.  Weber  and  daughters  Lottie  and  Elsie. 

Joseph  Z.  Rowe  and  family  in  decorated  two-seated  carriage. 

John  E.  Steinel  and  family  in  decorated  two-seated  carriage. 

John  D.  Missimer,  phaeton,  decorated,  occupied  by  wife  and  daugh- 
ter Grace. 

Joseph  S.  Becker,  trotting  buggy  with  rubber  tires. 

Dr  Daniel  G.  Long,  phaeton,  occupied  by  daughter  Ella  and  Miss 
Elizabeth  Mertz. 

James  M.  Miller,  buggy,  accompanied  by  daughters  Beatrice  and 
Mabel. 

Dr.  M.  L.  Bertolette,  top  buggy,  and  Wm.  B.  Albright. 

Edward  Ganter,  buggy,  and  A.  J.  Gless,  of  Newark,  N.  J. 

George  B.  Albright,  buggy,  and  Philip  Rufe. 

Dr.  H.  D.  Stryker  and  wife,  drag  decorated. 

George  W.  Biehl,  cart  occupied  by  son  Albert  and  Edwin  Sharp;  and 
phaeton  occupied  by  daughter  Bessie  and  Amy  Newlin  of  Pottstown. 

Jacob  A.  Strohecker,  buggy,  and  George  Hertwig. 

Abner  S.  Deysher,  two  decorated  buggies,  one  driven  by  himself  and 
the  other  by  John  Sharp. 

Wm.  B.  Angstadt,  phaeton,  and  daughter  Jennie. 

Hunter  Eckert,  trap,  with  driver. 

D.  P Schlott,  buggy,  with  little  girl  Marguerite  Geiger. 

Emanuel  Thalheimer,  cart,  and  Allen  Levan,  foreman  of  box  factory. 

Dr.  John  N.  Becker,  carriage,  and  family. 

Charles  E.  Schrader,  two-seated  carriage,  decorated  and  bay  horse, 
accompanied  by  daughter  Annie,  Mamie  Clark  of  Pittsburgh,  and  Leon 
Wittich,  of  Reading 

Wm.  M.  Schrader,  top  buggy,  decorated  and  bay  horse,  accompanied 
by  Morris  Gehry. 

Franklin  Ganter,  two-seated  carriage,  occupied  by  daughters  Mamie 
and  Carrie  Ganter,  Loretta  Reisinger  and  Nettie  Kroener. 

C.  M.  Deem,  carriage,  and  grand  daughter,  Sarah  Foreman. 

G.  F.  Steckline,  carriage,  and  three  children. 


BICYCLE  RACES. 


269 


THIRD  DIVISION. 

Marshal,  Jerome  I.  Kline;  aids,  Charles  I.  Angstadt,  John  E.  Harb- 
ster  and  J.  G.  L Brownwell. 

Athletic  band  with  20  musicians  in  a decorated  wagon  drawn  by  four 
horses. 

The  third  division  comprised  the  cavalcade,  with  the  following  in  the 
line  riding  four  abreast: 

Custer  Ammon,  Irvin  S.  Brant,  David  Delcamp.  H.  S.  Eckel,  Conrad 
Fisher,  E.  E.  Freehafer,  William  Fritz,  C.  Q.  Guldin,  John  E.  Harbster, 
Hunter  Henninger,  Frank  Hartman,  Frank  Hain,  F.  S.  Kelley,  John 
Kutz,  Charles  Kerchoff,  Franklin  Lash,  L.  D.  Lichty,  Frank  Maurer, 
John  E.  Nunnemacher,  J.  R.  Painter,  W.  S.  Phillips,  Conrad  Peters, 
Thomas  Roberts,  D.  L.  Reber,  Paul  A.  Rick,  Charles  Smith,  E.  B. 
Slichter,  John  A.  Savage,  Herbert  Seidel,  Calvin  Seidel,  Willian  Weitzel, 
J.  G.  Willits. 

Erwin  J.  Rutan  impersonated  a female  character,  mounted  on  a fine 
bay  horse,  with  M.  Luther  Rutan  as  an  escort.  The  disguise  was  per- 
fect and  much  applause  was  given  along  the  entire  route. 

The  division  ended  with  two  road  carts,  driven  by  Frank  Bitting  and 
David  M.  Hinkle;  and  a bicycle  sulky  drawn  by  John  G.  Niethammer’s 
black  trotter  with  attendant  as  driver,  decorated  with  red  ribbon  and 
floral  wreath. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 

Marshal,  Harry  C.  Boyer;  aids,  Calvin  Obold  and  Herbert  Miller. 

Drum  corps  of  Germania  band  in  large  decorated  wagon  drawn  by 
four  horses. 

This  division  comprised  pony  carts,  beautifully  decorated,  driven  by 
children,  and  the  following  were  in  line,  who  attracted  much  attention: 
Guy  Britton,  Edgar  High,  Sallie  B.  Rowe,  Charles  Sartorius,  Frank 
Selak,  Mabel  Shick,  F.  L.  Smith  and  Jacob  K.  Swenk. 

BICYCLE  RACES. 

At  three  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  race  meet  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Associated  Cycle  Clubs  opened  at  the  Three- 
Mile  House  driving  park. 

Officers: — The  officials  of  the  meet  were:  referee,  Charles  G.  Willson; 
starter,  Geo.  Eckert;  timers,  Wm.  Fulmer,  Harry  Crecelius,  Morris 
Reber  and  W.  Storm  Miller;  judges,  Frank  Heilman,  A.  J.  Geiger,  J.  G. 
Neubling,  Wm.  Schmucker,  G.  W.  Graefif,  Neff  H.  Rhode;  clerks  of 
course,  G.  J.  Althouse,  Harry  Swartz,  John  Martin,  H.  Eberhart,  Heber 
Ermentrout,  Robert  Heilman,  George  Wittich,  P.  G.  Herbine;  an- 
nouncer, P.  J.  Moyer;  umpires,  Benj.  Weil,  William  Anderson,  Marshall 
H.  Huey,  J.  B.  Snyder. 

Penn  Wheelmen  Race  Committee:— W.  Storm  Miller,  chairman; 
Frank  Heilman,  secretary;  Harry  Crecelius,  Daniel  Y.  Klapp,  George 
Eckert,  A.  J.  Geiger. 


270 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Electric  Wheelmen  Race  Committee:— George  Graeff,  chairman;  E G. 
Herbine,  secretary;  Neff  H.  Rhode,  treasurer;  Wm.  S.  Ribble,  H.  T. 
Eberhart. 

American  Wheelmen  Race  Committee:— Howard  J.  Borkert,  chair- 
man; Harry  E.  High,  secretary;  Neff  H.  Rhode,  Glenson  J.  Althouse, 
Harry  Labe. 

Race  Events: — First  event  was  a one-mile  novice  race.  It  was  run  in 
three  heats,  resulting  as  follows: 

First  heat: — Jacob  R.  Eagle,  of  Pottstown,  ist;  Harry  E.  Bentz,  West 
Reading,  2nd;  Wm.  M.  Ruth,  pacemaker,  3rd.  Time,  2 minutes,  31 
seconds. 

Second  heat: — A.  Freese,  Reading,  ist;  L.  A.  Gerrett.  Reading,  2nd; 
Walter  A.  Russell,  pacemaker.  3rd.  Time,  2.40. 

Final  heat: — L.  A.  Gerrett,  ist;  A.  Freese,  2nd;  Jacob  R.  Eagle,  3rd, 
Time.  2.38. 

After  the  final  heat  of  the  novice  race,  Harry  Greenwood,  of  the 
bicycle  department  of  John  Wanamaker,  Philadelphia,  rode  a mile  on  a 
motor  cycle  with  a flying  start  in  3.50. 

Second  event — One  mile  open,  resulting  as  follows: 

First  heat: — Harry  Hamilton,  Harrisburg,  ist;  Charles  W.  Krick. 
Reading,  2nd;  E.  Thoma,  pacemaker,  3rd.  Time,  2.26. 

Second  heat:— William  T.  McMichael,  Berwick,  ist;  Craig  G.  Stewart, 
Harrisburg,  2nd;  James  H.  Swartz,  pacemaker,  3d.  Time,  2.24. 

Final  heat:— McMichael,  ist;  Stewart,  2nd;  Swartz,  3rd.  Time,  2.24. 

Third  event:  — Boys  under  16  years  of  age,  1 mile,  resulting  as  follows: 
Charles  E.  Haas,  1st;  Charles  E.  Heim,  2nd;  Claude  Tigh,  3rd  Time, 
2.41. 

Fourth  event — Club  race,  one  mile.  The  entries  were:  James  H, 
Swartz,  Jandon  Miller,  Clinton  Earl,  of  Penn  Wheelmen;  Wm.  M.  Ruth, 
David  Mercer,  and  Marshall  H.  Huey,  of  American  Wheelmen;  William 
Murskey,  of  Century  Wheelmen.  The  race  was  awarded  to  the  team 
representing  the  Penn  Wheelmen,  who  crossed  the  tape  in  the  following 
order:  Swartz,  Earl,  and  Miller.  Time,  2.34. 

Fifth  event. — Half  mile  open,  resulting  as  follows: 

First  heat: —Charles  W.  Krick,  ist;  Harry  Hamilton,  2nd;  J.  Oscar 
Barto,  pacemaker,  3rd.  Time,  1.09. 

Second  heat. — William  T.  McMichael,  1st;  James  H.  Swartz,  2nd; 
and  Craig  G.  Stewart,  pacemaker,  3rd.  Time,  1.11. 

Final  heat. — Stewart,  ist;  McMichael,  2nd;  and  Krick,  3rd.  Time, 
1.08  1-5. 

Sixth  event.— Two-mile  lap-race,  resulting  as  follows: 

Charles  W.  Krick,  ist,  13  points;  Craig  G.  Stewart,  2nd,  8 points; 
and  D,  R.  Hart,  Reading,  3rd,  4 points.  Time,  5.04.  The  race  was 
awarded  to  Krick. 

Seventh  event  — Messenger  boys’  race,  one  mile,  resulting  as  follows: 
M.  Palm,  ist;  Connell  Wertz,  2nd;  Francis  Mitchell,  3rd.  Time  2.50. 


BICYCLE  PARADE. 


271 


Eighth  event. — Two-mile  handicap,  resulting  as  follows: 

James  H.  Swartz,  125  yards,  1st;  E.  Thoma,  225  yards,  2nd;  J.  Oscar 
Barto,  125  yards,  3rd;  Harry  Hamilton,  150  yards,  4th.  Time.  4.34. 

Prizes. — The  prizes  were  as  follows: 

One-mile  novice  — First  prize,  gold  medal,  $15;  second  prize,  silver 
medal,  $10. 

One-mile  open— First  prize,  diamond,  $35;  second  prize,  diamond, 
$20;  third  prize,  six  bottles  of  wine,  fine  pipe  and  hat. 

One-mile  boys’  race — First  prize,  silver  water  pitcher;  second  prize, 
pants  pattern  and  inkstand;  third  prize,  bicycle  lamp. 

Half-mile  open— First  prize,  diamond,  $25;  second  prize,  diamond, 
$15;  third  prize,  three  bottles  wine  and  fine  parlor  lamp. 

One-mile  team,  city  clubs,  three  to  enter,  who  never  won  a first  prize, 
fine  reclining  chair,  costing  $25. 

Two-mile  lap— First  prize,  diamond,  $35  ; second  prize,  diamond, 
$20;  third  prize,  hat,  card  case,  pipe,  shoes;  fourth  prize,  pipe  and 
bottle  of  whiskey. 

One-mile,  messenger  boys— First  prize,  medal,  #10;  second  prize, 
pump,  cyclometer,  pedals  and  three  dozen  bottles  oil;  third  prize,  cycle 
hat,  bell  and  three  dozen  bottles  oil. 

Two-mile  handicap — First  prize,  diamond,  $35;  second  prize,  clock, 
shoes,  hat,  cane  and  100  cigars;  third  prize,  pair  tires;  fourth  prize, 
lamp,  music  stand,  witch  hazel  and  cyclometer. 

The  attendance  was  about  400,  the  number  being  so  small  on  account 
of  the  great  parade  at  Reading  at  the  same  time.  The  track  was  not  in 
good  condition.  The  Lewis  Cadet  band  furnished  the  music  for  the 
occasion. 

BICYCLE  PARADE. 

Evening. — In  the  evening  the  Flambeau  Bicycle  Parade  was 
held.  It  started  at  8 o’clock,  proceeding  over  the  following 
route:  On  Penn  street  from  Second  to  Eleventh,  out  Perkiomen 
avenue  to  Chestnut,  countermarch  to  Penn  square,  then  down 
Fifth  to  Pine,  countermarch  to  Franklin,  to  Fourth,  to  Penn 
square  where  a grand  circle  was  formed. 

LINE  OF  PARADE. 

Chief  of  Police,  Jacob-Etzel  and  First  Serg’t,  Charles  L.  Kenderdine,  in 
a carriage;  and  the  Executive  Committee  also  in  carriages. 

Chief  Marshal,  Charles  G.  Willson,  (President  of  Penn  Wheelmen); 
aids,  Glenson  J.  Althouse,  (President  of  American  Wheelmen);  John 
Bryson,  (President  of  Electric  Wheelmen) ; Weston  W.  Westley,  (Presi- 
dent of  South  End  Wheelmen. ) 

FIRST  DIVISION. 

Penn  Wheelmen,  115  men,  of  which  76  Were  dressed  as  William  Penn. 
George  Eckert,  captain;  William  Fichthorn,  1st  lieutenant;  Howard 
Deem,  2nd  lieutenant;  Harry  Landis  and  Edward  Darlington,  buglers; 


272 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


James  Rambo,  color-bearer.  Each  member  had  his  wheel  tastefully 
decorated  in  orange  and  black,  the  club  colors,  (which  were  also  the 
city  colors. ) This  club  was  awarded  the  first  prize. 

Electric  Wheelmen,  68  men  in  line.  C.  C.  Ludwig,  captain;  George 
Graeff,  E.  Herbine,  Joseph  Neff,  lieutenants;  Harry  Reber,  color-bearer. 
The  members  were  in  citizen’s  dress  but  their  wheels  were  finely 
decorated  in  the  colors  of  their  club,  orange  and  maroon. 

American  Wheelmen,  60  men  in  line.  Howard  J.  Borkert,  captain; 
Harry  E.  High,  1st  lieutenant;  George  W.  Wertley,.  2nd  lieutenant; 
Charles  Bowman,  bugler;  Harry  Labe,  color-bearer.  Their  bicycles 
were  decorated  in  the  club  colors,  yellow  and  blue,  and  also  in  national 
colors.  The  members  wore  white  hats,  blue  coats  and  white  duck 
trousers. 

South  End  Wheelmen,  with  20  men  in  line.  Henry  Seiders,  captain; 
Walter  Schmehl  and  Charles  Dougherty,  lieutenants;  Samuel  Clark, 
flag-bearer;  John  Graham  and  Arthur  Westley,  buglers.  Their  wheels 
were  artistically  decorated. 

SECOND  DIVISION. 

The  second  division  consisted  of  the  Boys’  Brigade  and  floats.  Dan- 
iel Y-  Klapp,  marshal,  and  William  Harper,  assistant. 

At  the  head  of  the  division  were  25  members  of  Co.  E.  Boys’  Brigade 
in  charge  of  Capt.  Harry  G.  Johnson.  All  wore  uniforms  and  carried 
their  rifles  over  their  shoulders  while  riding  bicycles.  They  were 
awarded  the  second  prize. 

Ten  floats  were  next  in  order,  those  worthy  of  especial  mention 
having  been  the  following: 

John  German  and  William  Good,  tandem,  canopy  of  roses,  ribbons, 
lanterns  and  national  flags.  They  were  awarded  the  5th  prize. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harry  Kramm,  of  Reading,  and  Miss  Ethel  Geise,  a 
sister  of  Mrs.  Kramm,  of  Philadelphia,  float,  a bower  of  roses.  They 
were  given  the  sixth  prize. 

Float  representing  the  battleship  “Maine,”  by  Thomas  Evans  and 
Thomas  King. 

The  last  two  floats  were  furnished  by  the  Reading  Standard  Manufac- 
turing Co. 

THIRD  DIVISION. 

The  third  division  comprised  wheelmen  from  three  large  industrial 
establishments  of  the  city.  John  E.  Harbster,  marshal,  and  George  E. 
Tyson,  William  Adams  and  Samuel  Richards,  aids. 

The  Reading  Hardware  Co.  had  97  men  in  line.  All  wore  dark  trous- 
ers, white  coats  and  caps  and  yellow  badges.  They  were  awarded  the 
eighth  prize. 

The  Reading  Standard  Manl’g  Co.,  about  80  men  in  line,  some  with 
bicycle  suits  and  others  with  citizen’s  dress. 


BICYCLE  PARADE. 


273 


The  Relay  Bicycle  Co.  had  a float  in  line  representing  a ship.  It  was 
built  on  a tandem  bicycle  which  was  ridden  by  William  and  Edward 
Hafer,  employees. 

FOURTH  DIVISION. 

In  the  fourth  division  were  wheelmen  of  all  social  organizations  who 
were  not  members  of  the  clubs  mentioned  in  the  first  division.  Joseph 
Martin,  marshal,  and  Neff  H.  Rhode,  aid. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  R.  Miller,  and  two  children,  Alice  and  Fisher,  on 
single  wheels. 

“Sasparill  Club,'”  in  charge  of  John  M.  Archer,  with  15  in  line. 

Dora  Reber  and  Helda  Ludwig,  single  bicycles  nicely  decorated  with 
laurel  and  flags. 

Maria  Black  impersonated  the  Goddess  of  Liberty. 

Wm.  R.  Pike  and  wife,  in  stage  costume  as  Romeo  and  Juliet. 

In  this  division,  there  were  altogether  250  in  line,  including  women  on 
single  bicycles  and  tandems,  numbering  30. 

FIFTH  DIVISION. 

All  the  comical  riders  in  masks  and  grotesque  costumes,  and  the  un- 
attached riders,  were  in  the  Fifth  division,  numbering  about  300. 

John  Neubling,  marshal,  and  Thomas  De  Moss,  William  Hain,  Chris- 
tian J.  Geist,  Harry  Brouch  and  William  Buel,  aids. 

The  following  riders  are  worthy  of  special  mention: 

Clyde  Eisenberg,  a five  year  old  boy,  dressed  as  Uncle  Sam. 

Martha  Smith  and  Lillie  Miller,  riding  single  wheels  and  wearing 
white  duck  suits. 

Joseph  Grimes,  the  heaviest  bicycle  rider  in  the  United  States  while 
on  a visit  to  Reading,  weighing  543  pounds,  rode  in  the  parade  over 
part  of  the  route. 

John  Hoffman  and  Frederick  Rollman,  impersonated  Uncle  Sam, 
riding  a tandem,  made  of  cheese  boxes. 

James  Labe,  as  bowery  girl;  John  Briner,  as  colored  girl;  Arthur 
Shade,  as  a tramp;  Milton  H.  Knabb,  as  yellow  kid. 

Harry  Reich,  as  a colored  sport;  Frederick  Link,  as  circuit  rider;  W. 
O.  Large,  as  Admiral  Dewey;  Ammon  High,  as  Greater  Reading. 

Wm.  Miller,  as  clown;  Harvey  Hohl  and  Harry  Seyfert,  as  Indians; 
Walter  Young,  as  “Flying  Dutchman;”  Albert  Heath,  as  tramp,  on  old 
style  bicycle. 

J.  O.  Brant,  as  a farmer  on  old  Columbia  bicycle,  awarded  the  seventh 
prize;  Wm.  A.  Tobias  rode  on  a wheelbarrow,  with  two  large  wheels 
attached  to  the  handles. 

Wm.  Corbett,  as  a cow  boy;  J.  Frank  Lutz  and  Charles  Heffelfinger, 
canopy  of  Japanese  lanterns;  Ammon  Fligh,  as  Little  Red  Riding  Hood. 

John  Kupp  and  Frank  McCarthy,  as  old  southern  couple;  Wm.  A. 
Wentzel,  as  an  ape;  Howard  Rhoda,  as  a Dutchman, 

William  Kerns,  as  a fireman;  Arthur  Westley,  as  a jockey;  Aaron  and 
Melvin  Adams,  as  coons;  Frank  Heffner  and  Irvin  Rhode,  as  dudes; 


274 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Wm.  Hough,  as  trilby  and  her  big  feet,  riding  a tandem  with  J.  Boyd 
Mishler. 

Paper  wheelmen,  Thomas  Wiston,  captain;  Wm.  H.  Peter,  istlieut. ; 
Joseph  Cook,  2nd  lieut. ; John  Lorah,  color  bearer;  12  members  in  line, 
all  wearing  comical  costumes. 

Prizes  Awarded. — The  Committee  on  Bicycle  Parade,  Charles  G.  Will- 
son,  chairman,  decided  to  give  the  following  prizes: 

r.  Silver  loving  cup  to  regular  organized  bicycle  club  of  the  city 
having  the  best  costumed  and  largest  number  of  men  in  line. 

2.  Large  lamp  to  out-of-town  bicycle  club,  having  best  costumed  and 
largest  number  of  men  in  line. 

3.  Men’s  best  costumed  and  decorated  single  wheel,  cyclist’s  revolver. 

4.  Women’s  best  costumed  and  decorated  single  wheel,  riding  boots, 
and  gloves. 

5.  Best  costumed  and  decorated  tandem,  pair  of  pictures. 

6.  Tandem  or  single  wheels,  best  couple,  pair  of  vases. 

7.  Most  comical  effect,  women  or  men,  onyx  table. 

8.  Largest  number  of  men,  industrial  establishment,  200  cigars. 

The  following  Committee  were  selected  as  judges  to  award  the  prizes: 

Thomas  T.  Eckert.  Jr.  of  New  York,  K.  L.  Rymen,  of  Newark,  and 

John  D.  Mishler.  They  were  stationed  in  the  centre  of  Penn  square 
and  the  riders  rode  by  in  a circle.  After  having  viewed  the  parade, 
they  retired  to  the  Mansion  House,  and  after  some  deliberation,  an- 
nounced the  following  winners: 

First  prize  to  Penn  Wheelmen. 

Second  prize  to  Co.  E,  Boys’  Brigade,  for  fine  appearance,  no  out-of- 
town  club  having  been  in  line. 

Third  prize  to  A.  Frothingham  MacLean,  impersonating  a page  in 
time  of  Henry  VIII. 

Fourth  prize  to  Mrs.  Henry  T.  Eberhardt,  impersonating  American 
heroine. 

Fifth  prize  to  William  Good  and  John  German,  canopy  of  roses. 

Sixth  prize  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harry  H.  Kramm,  bower  of  roses. 

Seventh  prize  to  John  O.  Brandt,  as  tramp  farmer  on  an  old  high 
wheel. 

Eighth  prize  to  Reading  Hardware  Co.,  having  had  97  in  line. 

Concert  in  Penn  Common. — The  Germania  band  gave  a de- 
lightful concert  during  the  evening  from  8 to  10  o’clock  in  Penn 
Common.  They  were  stationed  on  the  choral  platform.  The 
program  comprised  classical  selections,  and  patriotic  and  popu- 
lar airs.  Several  thousand  persons  were  in  attendance,  not- 
withstanding the  Bicycle  Parade,  all  of  whom  appreciated  the 
entertainment  very  highly. 

The  Committee  on  Fireworks  gave  a second  display  of  fire- 
works from  the  same  place  occupied  on  Monday  evening,  con- 


REGATTA  AND  SERENATA. 


275 


sisting  of  rockets  and  bombs.  The  search  lights  were  in  opera- 
tion and  the  Eddy  kites  flying  to  add  interest  to  the  occasion. 

REGATTA  AND  SERENATA. 

SATURDAY,  JUNE  IITH. 

The  Regatta  and  Serenata,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Read- 
ing Boat  Club,  were  held  on  Saturday  afternoon  from  1.30  to 
5.30  o’clock.  The  course  was  on  the  Schuylkill,  and  extended 
for  one  mile  from  “Pigeon  Rock”  up  the  river  to  the  Bingaman 
street  bridge.  The  Committee  on  Regatta,  M.  Brayton  Mc- 
Knight,  chairman,  had  made  the  necessary  arrangements  for 
this  concluding  entertainment  of  Reading’s  Sesqui- Centennial 
and  it  was  a complete  success.  Both  banks  of  the  river  at  and 
below  the  bridge  were  crowded  with  people,  and  also  the  bridge. 
The  total  number  present  was  estimated  at  near  10,000.  The 
weather  was  ideal  for  the  occasion.  The  Germania  band  and 
Independence  Drum  and  Flute  corps  furnished  a fine  program 
of  music,  having  been  stationed  in  the  grove  on  the  west  bank 
of  the  river  opposite  the  club’s  boat-house. 

Officers. — The  officers  of  the  Regatta  were  as  follows:  Referee, 
Walter  G.  Roland;  starter,  J.  Edward  Wanner;  judge,  Wm  C.  Hinkley; 
timers,  Norman  B.  Wamsher  and  Arthur  Fink;  judge  of  swimming  race, 
Hans  Goetz.  The  referee,  starter  and  timers  were  on  the  steam  tug 
“Cat  Fish,”  kindly  provided  by  the  Canal  Department  of  the  Reading 
Railway  Co.,  and  the  judge  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river  at  the  finish. 

Events'. — First  event,  a single  shell  one  mile  race;  contestants,  Harry 
B.  Steffe  and  Henry  Jucker.  After  rowing  in  the  course  together  for 
about  100  yards,  Steffe’s  rigging  broke,  causing  him  to  upset.  He  was 
promptly  rescued  by  a small  steam  launch  and  taken  to  the  club  house. 
Jucker  rowed  over  the  remainder  of  the  course  alone,  and  was  loudly 
applauded  at  the  finish. 

Second  event,  a swimming  race  across  the  river  at  the  club  house,  in 
which  there  were  the  following  seven  entries:  Robert  Haggerty,  Jacob 
Snyder,  George  Williams,  William  R.  Schaeffer,  W.  Kilmer,  H.  Ould, 
and  T.  Greeman.  Schaeffer  was  1st,  in  1.43^;  Ould,  2nd,  in  1.50; 
Haggerty,  3rd. 

Third  event,  double  shell  one-mile  race,  with  two  entries,  Fred.  Fich- 
thorn  and  Henry  Jucker  comprising  one  of  the  crews,  Harry  B.  Steffe 
and  Harry  Babb  the  other.  The  former  won  by  100  yards.  Time,  7.31. 

Fourth  event,  tub  race  across  the  river  and  return,  with  the  following 
seven  entries:  Charles  Burkey,  Frank  Fry,  Wm.  Weitzel,  John  Ziemer, 
Wm.  Reedy,  James  DeLoy,  and  Blain  Jones,  all  boys.  The  race  was 
won  by  Weitzel,  closely  followed  by  Jones.  This  contest  afforded  much 
merriment  for  the  multitude  of  people  assembled  there. 


276 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Fifth  event,  four-oared  shell  race,  one-mile,  in  which  there  were  two 
entries,  one  crew  comprising  Fred  Fichthorn,  Irvin  Herbein,  Bert  Shan- 
aman  and  Charles  Moore;  the  other  Harry  Brandt,  Wm.  Longacre, 
Douglass  Anderson  and  Harry  Babb.  The  former  won  the  race.  Time, 
7-35  3-5*  A sliding  seat  of  the  latter  crew  broke  dowrn  shortly  after  the 
start,  which  virtually  threw  them  out  of  the  race  and  prevented  what 
would  otherwise  have  been  a close  contest. 

Sixth  event,  batteau  race,  one  fourth  mile,  in  which  there  were  eight 
contestants:  Victor  S.  Carman,  Chester  Burnish,  Benton  Reamer,  Albert 
Griffith,  Edward  Mills,  Charles  Burkey,  Harry  Flowfers  and  Wayne  S. 
Flicker.  The  race  was  won  by  Mills.  Time,  6 minutes. 

Seventh  event,  handicap  steamboat  race  two  and  a quarter  miles 
scratch,  with  the  following  five  entries:  Atlantic,  by  John  A.  Hiester; 
Curlew,  by  Joseph  Waid;  Monitor,  by  Bert  Shanaman;  Maine,  b.y  Amos 
Kissinger;  and  Trilby,  by  Harry  Phillippi.  The  Atlantic  was  at  the 
scratch  (near  the  breast  of  the  Little  Dam,)  and  Trilby  was  given  the 
limit,  about  ioco  feet.  The  Trilby  reached  the  goal  first;  time.  14.35. 
But  it  was  immediately  contested  by  Capt.  Hiester  and  the  others,  alleg- 
ing that  the  Trilby  was  started  before  the  signal.  After  due  deliberation, 
the  referee  awarded  the  race  to  the  Monitor. 

Prizes — The  following  prizes  were  offered  and  awarded:  To  the  win- 
ners of  the  single-shell,  double-scull,  and  four-oared  shell  races,  hand- 
some individual  medals  of  gold,  enameled  in  the  colors  of  the  city  of 
Reading  and  of  the  Reading  Boat  Club,  and  suitably  inscribed;  for  the 
swimming  race,  1st  prize,  gold  enameled  badge,  and  2d  prize,  silver 
enameled  badge;  for  the  batteau  and  tub  races,  cash  money  prizes;  and 
for  the  steamboat  race,  a silk  pennant  v\  ith  suitable  inscription  thereon. 

Conclusion. — The  Executive  Committee  were  present  in  the 
grove.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  Regatta,  the  President,  James 
P.  Sellers,  called  upon  the  youngest  member  of  the  Committee, 
Harvey  F.  Heinley,  Esq.,  to  make  a few  closing  remarks,  who 
responded  as  follows: 

“On  behalf  of  the  Executive  Committee,  at  the  request  of  their  presi- 
dent, I now  declare  the  festivities  of  Jubilee  Week  at  an  end.  This  week 
has  certainly  been  the  greatest  in  the  history  of  our  city,  and  it  is  fitting 
that  its  celebration  should  be  brought  to  a close  on  the  banks  of  this 
noble  Schuylkill,  which  has  flowed  unceasingly  from  the  founding  of 
the  city,  and  under  these  great  trees  which  perhaps  witnessed  its  birth. 

“It  is  a matter  of  great  congratulation  to  our  Committee  that  the 
Sesqui-Centennial  has  been  successful  beyond  all  expectation.  The 
work,  begun  by  men  chosen  from  all  the  walks  of  life,  has  been  har- 
moniously and  zealously  carried  on  to  a successful  end.  The  perfect 
weather,  the  lack  of  accident,  the  general  and  wholesome  enjoyment 
have  been  favors  which  point  to  a Divine  sanction  of  our  work.  Each 
day’s  celebration  has  been  simply  a new'  cause  for  wonder  at  the  re- 
sources and  blessings  enjoyed  by  our  city. 


ESCUTCHEON  AND  FLAG.  277 

“We  have  to  thank  the  people  for  their  hearty  co-operation;  the  public, 
both  resident  and  visiting,  for  the  excellent  order  maintained  during  the 
week.  And  now  we  turn  our  faces  toward  the  future,  expressing  the 
hope  that  at  the  celebration  of  the  Bi-Centennial  of  our  city’s  history, 
many  of  us  may  meet  under  auspices  equally  pleasant  and  inspiring.” 

Entertainment  of  Distinguished  Visitors. — It  is  just  to 
mention  in  connection  with  the  celebration  of  the  Sesqui- 
Centennial  that  many  visiting  friends  and  strangers  were 
hospitably  entertained  by  numerous  families,  and  also  by  insti- 
tutions of  different  kinds.  The  most  prominent  in  this  respect 
were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  F.  Baer,  who  displayed  a remark- 
able spirit  of  liberality  in  welcoming  distinguished  visitors  at 
their  superb  home  “Hawthorne,”  and  affording  them  unusual 
opportunities  of  seeing  and  knowing  the  social,  industrial  and 
municipal  affairs  of  Reading,  and  of  realizing  its  growth,  wealth 
and  importance  as  a promising  centre  of  population. 

Escutcheon  and  Flag. — The  Committee  on  Colors  designed 
an  escutcheon  and  a flag  for  the  Sesqui-Centennial.  After 
much  discussion  they  were  adopted  by  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee, and  afterward  by  City  Councils  but  by  resolution  simply. 

Explanation  of  Escutcheon: — The  black  shield  and  the  gold 
band  combine  the  colors  (black  and  gold)  of  the  old  German 
empire,  from  whence  came  the  large  majority  of  the 

city.  The  Arms  of  the  Penn 
family,  displayed  in  the  centre 
of  the  shield,  represent  the 
Province  of  Pennsylvania  in 
which  they  settled,  as  well  as 
the  Proprietors  o f Reading 
and  those  who  laid  it  out. 
The  bee-hive  indicates  the  busy 
manufacturing  centre  which 
the  city  has  now  become,  and 
the  salamander,  in  the  midst 
of  a flame,  shows  that  its 
business  and  its  prosperity  are  principally  dependent  upon  the 
furnaces  and  fires  of  every  description  in  which  its  iron  is 
worked. 

Supporters: — The  figures  supporting  the  shield  on  either  side 
are  emblematical  of  Labor,  which  has  always  been  the  pride 


278 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


and  support  of  Reading  and  the  source  of  its  prosperity.  Thor 
and  Vulcan  have  been  selected  to  represent  Labor,  in  this  in- 
stance, because  of  their  association  with  fire  and  metals. 

Crest: — The  staff  of  Mercury  is  used  for  a crest  because  it  is 
the  symbol  of  constant  activity  and  indicates  the  continuous 
growth  of  the  city  as  well  as  the  increasing  nature  of  its  vast 
and  widespreading  business.  The  staff  issues  from  a mural 
crown,  the  crown  representing  a city,  and  shows  the  station 
which  Reading  occupies  in  the  Commonwealth  and  Union. 

Motto: — The  motto,  which  means  “Labor  profits  with  the 
help  of  God,”  is  intended  to  show  that,  after  all,  the  entire  wel- 
fare of  Reading  ever  rests  with  God,  and  depends  upon  the 
manner  in  which  its  citizens  trust  in  Him. 

City  Flag: — For  a standard,  or  flag*;,  the  Coat  of  Arms,  given 
as  above,  is  placed  in  the  centre  of  a field  divided  into  equal 
parts  by  three  stripes,  red,  white  and  blue,  the  colors  of  the 
Union,  to  show  that  the  city  of  Reading  has  grown  from  its 
past  history  into  a part  of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the 
formation,  upbuilding  and  preservation  of  which  its  citizens 
have  taken  a part  so  prominent  and  honorable  at  all  times  and 
under  every  circumstance. 

Reading  Artillerists  in  Camp. — The  Executive  Committee 
had  also  named  a Committee  on  Military,  for  which  Samuel 
Willits,  captain  of  the  Reading  Artillerists,  was  selected  and  ap- 
pointed as  chairman,  and  he  was  making  arrangements  for  a 
grand  military  demonstration  in  connection  with  the  Civic 
Parade,  when  the  United  States  made  a declaration  of  war 
against  Spain,  and  he  tendered  the  services  of  his  company  to 
the  national  government,  which  were  accepted.  The  further 
work  of  the  Committee  was  therefore  discontinued  and  that  part 
of  the  parade  reluctantly  abandoned. 

However,  when  the  day  came,  Sunday,  June  5th,  for  open- 
ing the  Sesqui-Centennial,  though  far  from  home  and  rendez- 
voused in  camp  at  Chickamauga,  Ga. , preparing  for  engaging 
in  the  Spanish  war  in  Cuba,  the  members  of  the  company  as- 
sembled in  their  mess  tent  to  celebrate  the  150th  Anniversary 
of  Reading  in  due  form,  while  their  families  and  friends  were 
assembled  in  churches  at  home,  and  the  colonel,  major,  adju- 
tant and  chaplain  of  their  regiment  (Fourth)  honored  the  meet- 


GREETINGS  FROM  ENGLAND. 


279 


ing  with  their  presence.  The  ceremonies  began  by  singing  the 
hymn  “America,”  with  prayer  by  the  chaplain;  then  “Star 
Spangled  Banner”  was  sung  and  the  colonel  (D.  Brainard 
Case)  addressed  the  company  with  appropriate  remarks,  highly 
eulogistic  of  the  history  of  Reading,  particularly  the  patriotic 
spirit  of  its  people  in  every  emergency.  Additional  remarks 
were  made  by  the  adjutant,  chaplain  and  Captain  Willits,  after 
which  the  meeting  was  concluded  with  prayer  and  singing  the 
doxology. 

On  June  9th,  the  Executive  Committee  sent  the  following 
telegram  to  Capt.  Willits  at  Chickamauga: — 

“In  the  glory  of  the  jubilee  week,  the  Executive  Committee  in  behalf 
of  the  city  send  you  and  your  gallant  company  heartfelt  greetings,  as 
well  as  to  all  Berks  county  soldiers  who  represent  the  patriotism  and 
devotion  of  our  city  in  its  Sesqui-Centennial.  We  regret  your  absence, 
but  in  fighting  humanity’s  battles  we  know  that  you  will  not  return  until 
the  foe  is  vanquished.” 

GREETINGS  FROM  READING,  ENGLAND. 

In  August,  1897,  the  Deputy  Mayor  of  Reading,  England, 
forwarded  to  Hon.  Jacob  Weidel,  Mayor  of  Reading,  Pa.,  an 
illustrated  newspaper  and  other  printed  matter,  showing  the 
celebration  of  the  Queen’s  Jubilee.  In  November  following, 
Mayor  Weidel  addressed  a letter  to  him  informing  him  of  the 
proposed  celebration  of  the  Sesqui-Centennial  of  Reading,  Pa., 
and  extended  an  invitation  to  the  Mayor  to  be  present  on  that 
occasion,  and,  with  the  letter,  sent  by  mail  a number  of  publi- 
cations on  local  history,  which  comprised  the  following,  all  hav- 
ing been  compiled  by  the  compiler  of  this  Sesqui-Centennial 
History  of  Reading: — “Political  Hand  Book  of  Berks  County,” 
(1883);  “School  History  of  Berks  County,”  (1889);  “Berks 
County  in  the  Revolution,”  (1894);  Centennial  History  of 
Lodge  No.  62,  F.  & A.  M.,”  (1894);  “Life  and  Times  of 
Conrad  Weiser,”  (1893);  and  “Historical  Sketch  of  Reading 
Artillerists,”  (1896). 

During  the  Jubilee  Week,  on  June  8,  1898,  Mayor  Weidel 
received  the  following  cablegram  from  the  Hon.  W.  Berkeley 
Monck,  Mayor  of  Reading,  England: — 

“The  Mayor  of  Reading,  England,  on  behalf  of  the  inhabitants,  sends 
greetings  and  kindest  wishes  for  present  and  future  success  and  pros- 
perity to  Reading,  Penna.” 


28o 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Mayor  Weidel  sent  the  following  in  return: — 

“Mayor  of  Reading,  Pa.,  in  behalf  of  its  citizens,  returns  hearty 
thanks  to  the  Mayor  of  Reading,  England,  for  his  official  greeting  on 
the  occasion  of  the  Sesqui-Centennial  of  the  city,  and  sincerely  recipro- 
cates the  kindly  sentiments  communicated  therein.” 

On  June  20,  1898,  Mayor  Weidel  received  the  following  letter 
from  the  Deputy  Mayor  of  Reading,  England,  which  was  dated 
June  13,  1898: — 

“I  have  just  returned  from  the  continent  after  visiting  Milan,  Turin, 
Nice  and  Paris,  when  I find  your  very  kind  invitation  to  visit  your  city 
and  join  with  you  in  commemorating  your  Sesqui-Centennial  celebration. 
I am  sorry  to  say  distance  has  precluded  my  accepting  same,  or  I 
should  have  visited  you,  but  my  thanks  are  none  the  less. 

I arranged  with  our  present  mayor  to  send  you  a cablegram  of  con- 
gratulation, which  has  been  duly  replied  to  and  came  before  a council 
meeting  of  our  town  last  Saturday. 

I also  thank  you  for  the  parcel  of  books  sent,  and  particularly  the  one 
referring  to  Free  Masonry,  which  I shall  bring  before  our  lodge  shortly. 

I send  you  a paper  giving  account  of  the  visit  to  Reading  last  Satur- 
day on  the  occasion  of  opening  a new  college  by  his  Royal  Highness, 
the  Prince  of  Wales.” 

The  cablegram  from  the  Mayor  of  Reading,  England,  was 
forwarded  through  the  efforts  of  John  Bossard,  traveling  corre- 
spondent of  The  Greater  Reading,  an  illustrated  monthly  publi- 
cation at  Reading,  Pa.,  W.  S.  Hamaker,  proprietor,  he  having 
succeeded  in  this  behalf  by  meeting  A.  J.  Mackinder,  Esq., 
M.  A.,  of  that  place,  superintendent  of  the  University  Exten- 
sion College,  (who  had  lectured  at  Reading,  Pa.,  in  1892,  and 
been  pleasantly  entertained  while  here,)  and  requesting  him  to 
do  so.  Mr.  Bossard  forwarded  a long  letter  from  Reading, 
England,  descriptive  of  public  institutions  there,  together  with 
photographs  of  those  mentioned  and  also  a portrait  of  the  pres- 
ent Mayor,  Hon.  J.  Berkeley  Monck,  J.  P.  This  correspon- 
dence with  the  embellishments  was  printed  in  full  in  the  June 
issue  of  The  Greater  Reading  and  was  highly  appreciated  by 
its  subscribers  here  and  elsewhere. 

The  Readmg  Eagle , of  Reading,  Pa.,  by  its  city  editor, 
Albert  N.  Burkholder,  wrote  to  the  Mayor  of  Reading,  Eng., 
giving  him  valuable  information  of  our  city,  to  which  he  made 
a suitable  reply,  extending  a cordial  greeting  and  expressing  a 
hope  that  Reading  in  the  New  World  would  continue  to  prosper 
and  increase  in  importance. 


FINANCE  COMMITTEE’S  REPORT. 


281 


REPORT  OF  FINANCE  COMMITTEE. 

The  following  Report  of  the  Finance  Committee  was  pre- 
sented to  the  Executive  Committee  at  their  final  meeting  on 
July  8,  1898,  and  adopted: 

Amount  of  subscriptions 110,394.10 

19,951-10 

461.56 


Total  receipts 

10,412.66 

Total  expenses  of  all  Committees 

8,993.82 

Surplus 

$1,418.84 

The  expenditures  of  the 

several  Committees  were  as  follows: 

Accommodations  .... 

$ 20.00 

Insignia  

• $295.56 

Bicycle  Parade 

156.79 

Invitation 

108.88 

Carriages  

364.00 

Medical  ........ 

32.46 

Cavalcade  and  Corso  . . 

273.76 

Military 

City  Officials  ...... 

Music  

. 1429.70 

Civic  Demonstration  . . . 

Official  Program  . . . 

Colors 

406.30 

Patriotic  Demonstration 

43.20 

Courtesy 

Pioneers 

. - 

Decorations 

201.50 

Printing 

84.82 

Design  of  Envelopes  . . 
Electrical  Display  ... 

PrAfrro  m rvF  WJ 

A J UL/1IV,\^  VV  V^V_ 

Publicity  . 

. 167.31 

Executive 

876.62 

Railroads  and  Transport’ 

n 205.35 

Finance  

299.11 

Reception  

73-96 

Firemen’s  Parade  .... 

Regatta 

- I54-65 

Fireworks 

975.00 

Rooms 

428.14 

Former  Residents  .... 

School  Parade  .... 

- 562.95 

History  of  Reading  . . . 

900.  CO 

Signal  Corps 

- 208.33 

Illumination 

549.26 

Water 

58.77 

Industrial  Parade  .... 

Woman’s 

. 117.40 

The  item  of  the  Executive  Committee  includes  bills  of  City  Officials, 
Civic  Demonstration,  Courtesy,  Firemen’s  Parade  and  Industrial  Parade. 

The  expense  of  the  Electrical  Display  was  $1902.50,  but  it  was  con- 
tracted by  City  Councils.  The  Committee  having  a surplus  of  funds, 
reserved  $100  for  a contingent  fund,  and  applied  $1318.84  toward  the 
payment  of  that  expense,  deeming  this  disposition  the  best  that  could 
be  made. 

LIST  OF  SUBSCRIBERS. 

George  F.  Baer,  for  himself,  Reading  Iron  Company  and  Reading 
Paper  Mills,  $500.00;  P.  Barbey  & Son,  $250.00;  Lauer  Brewing  Co., 
Limited,  $250.00;  Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart,  $200.00;  National  Union 
Bank,  $150.00;  Farmers’ National  Bank,  $150.00;  30  Young  Ladies,  Girls’ 
High  School,  $7.10;  Perkiomen  Avenue  Schools,  per  Miss  Hughes,  $8.00. 


Subscriptions  paid 

Receipts  from  other  sources  . 


282 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $IOOI 

Penn  National  Bank,  Pennsylvania  Trust  Company,  The  Con- 
sumers’ Gas  Co.,  John  D.  Mishler,  C.  K.  Whitner  & Co.,  William 

H.  Luden,  E.  M.  Morgan,  Merritt  Brothers,  Dibert  Brothers,  Leinbach 
& Bro.,  J.  Mould  & Co.,  Jesse  G.  Hawley,  A.  J.  Brumbach,  John  R. 
Miller  & Co.,  J.  C.  Illig  & Bro.,  Reading  Brewing  Co.,  J.  G.  Leinbach  & 
Co.,  The  Reading  Stove  Works,  Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  Kline, 
Eppihimer  & Co,  M.  H.  Schnader,  Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works,  Gately  & 
Britton,  Penn  Hardware  Co.,  Reading  Hardware  Co.,  J.  G.  Mohn  & 
Bros.,  J.  H.  Sternbergh  & Son,  Montello  Clay  & Brick  Co. — H.  L.  Boas, 
Sec’y,  Penna.  Telephone  Co. — I.  J.  Lerch,  Gen’l  Supt.,  Eckert  & Bro., 
Rick  Brothers,  Keystone  Wagon  Co.,  Louis  Kraemer  & Co.;  and  W.  N. 
Coleman  & Son,  $75. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $50: 

C.  W.  Hendel,  John  B.  Raser,  Yocum  Bros.,  Louis  Heilbron,  Hippie 
Bros.,  The  A.  Wilhelm  Co.,  Glase  & Lichtenthaeler,  Geo.  L.  Kestner  & 
Co.,  Schrader  & Kline,  Jacob  A.  Leippe’s  Sons,  L.  H.  Focht,  Isaac 
Hiester,  G.  W.  Alexander  & Co.,  Orr  & Sembower,  Winter  & Goetz, 
W.  B.  Krick,  Acme  Manufacturing  Co.,  C.  S.  Birch,  The  Reading  Her- 
ald— Wm.  McCormick,  Propr.,  Jacob  Truby  (Hotel  Penn),  Curtis,  Jones 
& Co.,  John  M.  Archer,  Reading  Ribbon  Badge  Co. — Julius  Weber,  Sr., 
Morton  L.  Montgomery,  W.  P.  Deppen,  Cyrus  G.  Derr,  R.  L.  Jones, 

R.  N.  Carson;  and  D.  C.  Keller,  $30. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $25: 

Cohn  & Goldman,  John  J.  Kutz,  Thos.  P.  Moore,  Chas  G.  Willson, 
Milford  N.  Ritter,  Jacob  Barbey,  Hoff  & Bro.,  Matt.  Moyer,  John  F. 
Boyer,  Ermentrout  & Deisher,  Price  & Spatz,  W.  C.  Yoder,  Myers  & 
Heim,  Common  Sense  Shoe  Store,  J.  K.  Righter,  J.  Geo.  Hintz,  Read- 
ing Electrical  Construction  Co.  Ltd.,  Reading  Knitting  Mills,  John  F. 
Rote,  O.  B.  Wetherhold  & Co  , Mengel  & Mengel,  B.  & J.  Saylor, 
Schlechter’s  Jewelry  Store,  Geo.  W.  Beard,  C.  W.  Edwards,  John  H. 
Printz,  John  G.  McGowan,  J.  S.  Shade  & Sons,  John  L.  Bowman, 
Roehrich  & Raab,  F.  S.  Wertz  & Co.,  C.  H.  Lichty,  G.  S.  Herbein,  E. 

S.  Fox  & Co.,  William  Nolan,  Aug.  S.  Flicker,  A.  C.  Paine,  Chas.  M. 
Heilman  & Co.,  Stevens  & Stevens,  Packer  Cycle  Co.,  John  C.  Stocker, 
Christ  Ganster,  Horace  A.  Yundt,  Kurtz  & Mayers,  Carpenter  Steel  Co., 

I.  Rambo  & Son.,  Wm.  D.  Smith,  Union  Transfer  Co.,  James  N.  Ermen- 
trout, John  R.  Bechtel,  Levi  Quier,  Henry  A.  Muhlenberg,  Walter  G. 
Roland,  Farmers’  Market  House  Co. — A.  N.  Kissinger,  Gen’l  Mgr.,  A. 
Thalheimer  & Son,  Reading  Braid  & Paper  Box  Co.,  National  Brass 
& Iron  Works,  James  K.  Getz,  Chas.  M.  Evans,  P.  F.  Eisenbrown, 
Sons  & Co.,  J.  H.  Cheetham,  Reading  Glass  Works,  Wm.  R.  Mcllvain, 
Livingstone  & Kern,  F.  Keffer  & Co.,  Chas.  Breneiser  & Sons,  Hercules 
Paper  Bag  Co  , Harry  Christensen,  Geo.  M.  Ammon,  M.  K.  Graeff, 
Bright  & Lerch,  Ltd.,  Reading  Car  Wheel  Co  , Bard,  Reber  & Co.,  G. 
H.  Delp  & Co.,  G.  A.  Endlich,  Stichter  Hardware  Co.  Ltd.,  Reading 
Times  Publishing  Co.,  Chas.  Hathaway  & Co.,  (26  Pine  St.,  New  York 


FINANCE  COMMITTEE’S  REPORT. 


283 


City),  S.  Rossin  & Sons,  (173  Water  St.,  New  York  City),  T.  W.  Pig- 
gott  (Neversink  Mountain  Hotel),  John  G.  Niethammer;  and  E.  Mackey, 
$20.00,  Jacobs  & Keiser,  $20.00,  Geo.  W.  Romig,  $20.00. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $15: 

W.  Storm  Miller,  Frank  P.  Esterly,  Jacob  S.  Kline,  John  E.  Bubp,  A. 
M.  High  & Son,  Jas.  P.  Esterly  & Bro.,  C.  H.  Ruhl,  W.  H.  Hinnershitz, 
Geo.  D.  Stitzel,  Muhlenberg  Brewing  Co.,  by  their  attorney,  j!  H.  Roth- 
ermel,  Reading  Installment  Co.,  J.  L.  & M.  F.  Greene,  Jacob  H.  Stein. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $IO: 

G.  W.  Ammon  & Co.,  William  H.  Moyer,  Albert  J.  Fisher,  Jas.  S. 
Brusstar  & Co.,  S.  M.  Helms,  Thos.  D.  Bausher,  Grand  Union  Tea  Co., 
Knorr  & Ruth,  B.  F.  Owen  &Co.,  Calvin S.  Nyce,  John  B.  Shultz  & Co., 
George  Kemp,  Jacob  Walter,  Daniel  Y.  Klapp,  Koch  & Wolf,  Henry 
Schofer,  H.  C.  Heller,  Sam  Hantsch,  J.  L.  Repplier,  Philip  Bissinger, 
Dan.  F.  Ancona,  Edward  Scull  &Co.,  Nathaniel  Ferguson,  B.  Y.  Landis, 
Schmucker  Bros.,  Hugh  O’Donnell,  E.  B.  Strohecker,  Wm.  F.  Shana- 
man,  H.  L.  O’Brien,  H.  W.  Crooks,  Howard  F.  Boyer,  Heffner,  Gilbert 
& Croll,  F.  S.  & S.  B.  Jacobs,  Wm.  S.  Mohr,  Gittelman  & Harbach,  W. 
B.  Angstadt,  The  Great  A.  & P.  Tea  Co.,  H.  D.  Breneiser  estate, 
Charles  C.  Goodman,  R.  H.  Jones,  F.  W.  Woolworth  & Co.,  John  D. 
Strunk,  H.  C.  Geissler  & Sons,  Francis  F.  Seidel,  Close  & Deem,  W.  K. 
Leitheiser  & Sons,  Chas.  Rentschler,  Jr.,  Chas.  H.  Schaeffer,  W.  W. 
Light,  Chas.  A.  Sheidy,  Charles  Maerz,  J.  H.  Fett  &Son,  Geo.  F.  Lance, 
Reading  Bottling  Works,  F.  B.  Hay,  Excelsior  Bottling  Co.,  Fred.  H.- 
Witman  & Co.,  Herman  J.  Crcessant,  Reading  Scale  & Machine  Co., 
H.  A.  Hoff,  F.  X.  Blessing,  Frank  S.  Livingood,  Frederick  Stephan, 
Brooke  Harrison,  F.  P.  Heller,  Henry  Connard,  W.  G.  Hollis,  David 
Benson,  John  B.  Brobst,  W.  F.  Remppis,  Geo.  M.  Jones,  Benj.  F.  Dettra, 
Dr.  D.  G.  Long,  Rothermel  & Mauger,  Aaron  Yocum,  E.  D.  Smith,  F. 
W.  Hanold,  D.  S.  Esterly,  Wm.  Behm,  Thos.  M.  Leinbach,  Frederick 

A.  Barrows,  Lambert  A.  Rehr,  Ezra  S.  Wenrich,  John  F.  Reifsnyder,  H. 
L.  Johnson  & Son,  J.  H.  Craig,  John  H.  Obold  & Co.,  Leymaster  & 
Bricker,  Swift  & Co.,  Reading  Cold  Storage  Co.,  Cash  (through  M.  H. 
Schnader),  Keystone  Ribbon  Badge  Co.,  J.  A.  Esterly,  Charles  Potteiger, 
Harry  Jones. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $5: 

Fredk.  Weilandt,  J.  O.  Koller,  Henry  S.  Yocum,  M.  C.  Sigmund 
Mahlon  Shaaber,  Chas.  S.  Prizer,  Chas.  A.  Weida,  Fred.  S.  Pfaeflein* 
Thos.  Fair,  John  S.  Fritz,  Jacob  C.  Luden,  H.  Luther  Frees,  Wm.  S 
Miller,  Brobst  House,  Jas.  M.  Morgan,  Jacob  Etzel,  Davies,  Printz  & Co., 
Geo.  R.  Maltzberger,  Hiram  L.  Henninger,  W.  M.  Hiester,  Wm.  R. 
Eyrich,  George  A.  Ravel,  Heim  & Hafer,  Wilson  M.  Dumn,  Patton  & 
Billman,  Chas.  A.  Brown,  John  R.  Kaucher,  Greater  Reading  Cigar  Co., 
Chas.  H.  Raudenbush,  E E.  Kahler,  Harner  & Pengelly,  H.  G.  Landis 
& Sons,  Fred.  W.  Lauer,  W.  H.  Kennedy,  Dr.  J.  B.  Sterley,  Louis 
Richards,  Geo  B.  Nein,  Clarence  T.  Stubbs,  A.  L.  Smith,  I.  S.  Fry,  H. 

B.  Hintz,  W.  R..Loser,  E.  A.  Berg,  Jeff.  M.  Keller,  B.  Frank  Ruth,  S. 


284 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


R.  Bushby,  Alex.  Schlottman,  Tragle  Cordage  Co.,  A.  S.  Esterly’s  Sons 
& Co.,  Stetson  & Co  , Oppenheim  & Gehring,  Jas  A.  Schofer,  A.  C. 
Weile,  Geo.  H.  Felix,  R.  Buehrer,  Wm.  O.  Flatt  & Bro.,  Thos.  K. 
Dalzell,  J.  Ed.  Wanner,  John  H.  Maltzberger. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $3: 

E.  E.  Hafer,  N.  K.  Bortz,  A.  W.  Glase,  S.  E.  Tinkler,  Jr.,  J.  Howard 
Cutler,  Ebb  N.  Zell,  Wm.  Lender. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $21 

Hendricks  & Adams,  John  C.  Seltzer,  Chas.  N.  Frame,  C.  V. 
Kratzer,  Reinhard  Rieger,  N G.  Hollis,  Howard  L.  Drexel,  John 
McHenry,  Chester  B.  Jennings,  J.  M.  Bertolet,  Jacob  W.  Fichthorn,  M. 
J.  Snook,  C.  A.  Muntz,  Willoughby  S.  Wilde,  A.  N.  Boyer,  Geo.  M. 
Krick,  F.  W.  Eben  & Bro. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  $1 : 

W.  S.  Essig,  C.  H.  Shick,  Kirby  Loewen,  M.  J.  Blondheim,  Chas. 
Brusch,  M.  J.  Terry,  D.  E.  Houck,  Irvin  J.  Brandt,  R.  N.  Kingkinger, 
Wellington  Van  Reed,  Frank  Kissinger,  R.  L.  McCall,  C.  H.  Williams, 
Geo.  J.  Oaks,  John  A.  Stokes,  Frank  Diehl,  Geo.  W.  Kissinger,  Moyer 
Merzberger,  D.  P.  Schaeffer  & Co.,  Harry  F.  Hahn,  Beni.  F.  Hunsicker, 
A.  L.  Rhoads  & Co. 

EACH  OF  THE  FOLLOWING,  50  CtS: 

D.  Amole,  J.  A.  Kline,  Jacob  A.  Wummer,  J.  N.  Ernst;  and  patrons 
of  Loewen’s  Barber  Shop,  $1.75,  and  Cash  25  cents. 

FINANCIAL  RECAPITULATION. 

Summary  of  foregoing  subscriptions: 

Special  subscriptions,  amounting  to$i5i5.io;  33  of  $100;  1 of  $75;  28 
of  $50;  1 of  $30;  82  of  #25;  3 of  $20-;  13  of  $15;  94  of  $10;  65  of  $5;  81 
of  $3  and  less. 

Receipts  from  following  sources: 

Official  Program  (21,000  copies  distributed  free),  $111,85;  Hintz’s 
sale  of  booklets,  $21.84;  Chorus  rehearsal,  Auditorium,  $25.15;  Hintz’s 
sale  of  special  invitations,  $40.57;  Official  Envelope  Committee  $89.52; 
Woman’s  Committee,  (balance)  $14.23;  Peter  Ogden  Association, 
(balance),  $4.50;  Sundry  sources,  $1.55. 


PART  IV. BOARD  OF  TRADE  AND  READING  OFFICIALS. 

BOARD  OF  TRADE— 1898. 

The  aims  of  the  Board  of  Trade  of  Reading  are  to  promote 
and  foster  the  trade,  commerce,  and  manufacturing  interests  of 
Reading;  to  acquire  and  disseminate  valuable  commercial  and 
statistical  information;  and  in  general  to  protect  and  advance 
the  business  affairs  of  this  community. 


BOARD  OF  TRADE. 


285 


The  Board  was  organized  April  21,  1881,  and  incorporated 
February  11,  1889.  Its  quarters  are  at  No.  25  North  Sixth 
street,  where  reading,  reception  and  assembly  rooms  provide 
convenient  and  pleasant  quarters  for  the  transaction  of  business 
by  the  members,  and  superior  facilities  for  social  and  business 
intercourse. 

The  presidents  of  the  organization  in  their  consecutive  order 
since  its  inception  have  been  the  following,  all  active  and  promi- 
nent business  men  who  exerted  a wide  influence  in  behalf  of 
local  prosperity: — J.  H.  Sternbergh,  1881 — 1884;  Isaac  Me 
Hose,  1884 — 1890;  Peter  D.  Wanner,  1890 — 1891;  S.  E. 
Ancona,  1891 — 1892;  Jerome  L.  Boyer,  1892 — 1894;  Thomas 
P.  Merritt,  1894 — 1898. 

The  officers,  standing  committees,  and  members  for  the  year 
1898-99  are  as  follows: 

OFFICERS. 

President,  Samuel  D.  Dibert. 

1 st  Vice  Pres.,  J.  George  Hintz.  2nd  Vice  Pres.,  Daniel  F.  Dietrich. 
Treasurer,  Fredric  P.  Heller.  Secretary,  Eugene  P.  Stofer. 

DIRECTORS. 

James  P.  Sellers,  Thomas  P.  Merritt,  Jeremiah  G.  Mohn,  Louis  Heil- 
bron,  J.  K.  Righter,  S.  E.  Ancona,  Charles  E.  Leippe, 

John  R.  Mast. 

STANDING  COMMITTEES. 

Finance: — J.  K.  Righter,  W.  W.  Light,  John  G.  McGowan,  J.  L. 
Greene,  James  F.  Mohn. 

Manufactures : — Charles  E.  Leippe,  W.  Herbert  Ermentrout,  Albert 
Thalheimer,  Howard  L.  Boas,  Jenkin  Hill,  Jonathan  G.  Leinbach,  John 
R.  Miller. 

Legislatio?i:— S.  E.  Ancona,  Harry  S.  High,  Milton  H.  Schnader, 
Chas.  W.  Hendel,  Francis  S.  Jacobs. 

Statistics: — J.  Geo.  Hintz,  Morton  L.  Montgomery,  W.  S.  S.  Coleman, 
I.  Rambo,  Jr.,  Walter  G.  Roland. 

Mmiicipal: — James  P.  Sellers,  W.  Morris  Deisher,  C.  K.  Whitner,  A. 
K.  Kline,  Henry  B.  Hintz. 

Arbitration:—  Daniel  F.  Dietrich,  Ferdinand  Goetz,  Chas.  S.  Prizer, 
Harry  C.  Weber,  Dr.  Otto  Noack. 

Railroads  and  Transportation: — Louis  Heilbron,  Geo.  M.  Britton,  A. 
C.  Weile,  C.  J.  Wickersham,  Jas.  M.  Hutchison. 

Membership: — C.  H.  Armour,  S.  S.  Schweriner,  Chas.  G.  Willson,  C. 
W.  Kissinger,  J.  Harry  Leippe. 


286 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


Rooms:— John  R.  Mast,  H.  J.  Fueller,  Richard  H.  Bortle,  S.  M. 
Helms,  John  D.  Strunk. 

Reception: — Hon.  Thos.  P.  Merritt,  Hon.  H.  Willis  Bland,  Mayor 
Jacob  Weidel,  John  D.  Mishler,  Jeremiah  G.  Mohn,  J.  H.  Sternbergh, 
Isaac  McHose,  P.  D.  Wanner,  S.  E.  Ancona,  Jerome  L.  Boyer,  A.  J. 
Brumbach,  John  R.  Bechtel,  Josiah  Dives,  D.  S.  Esterly,  Jesse  G.  Haw- 
ley, Milford  N.  Ritter,  Jas.  W.  Yocum,  H.  W.  Crooks,  Louis  F. 
Kraemer,  Jr.,  James  A.  Klees,  W.  H.  Luden,  W.  D.  Smith,  I.  J.  Lerch, 
Jacob  Truby,  Louis  Adler,  Matthau  Harbster,  C.  Raymond  Heizmann, 
W.  F Remppis,  M.  Brayton  McKnight,  John  O.  Glase,  Dr.  H.  L. 
Johnson. 

Members:— Adler  Bros.,  Howard  E.  Ahrens,  S.  E.  Ancona,  Daniel 

F.  Ancona,  W.  B.  Angstadt,  Charles  H.  Armour,  Arms  & Lerch, 
E.  C.  Baker,  P.  Barbey  & Son,  Frederick  A.  Barrows,  T.  D.  Bausher, 
John  R.  Bechtel,  E.  C.  Behrens,  Dr  John  M.  Bertolet,  Philip  Bissinger, 
Hon.  H.  Willis  Bland,  Howard  L.  Boas,  Richard  H.  Bortle',  John  L. 
Bowman,  Howard  F.  Boyer,  Jerome  L.  Boyer,  Charles  Breneiser  & 
Sons,  John  B.  Brobst,  George  Brooke,  Albert  Broden,  A.  J.  Brumbach, 
David  Campbell,  E.  Chamberlain,  City  Laundry  Co.,  Cohn  & Gold- 
man, W.  N.  Coleman  & Son,  H.  S.  Ccmstock,  H.  W.  Crooks,  Crouse 
& Co.,  Curtis,  Jones  & Co.,  S.  S.  Davies,  C.  M.  Deem,  David  E.  De- 
Hart, DeLong  Bros.,  W.  P.  Deppen,  Cyrus  G.  Derr,  S.  D.  Dibert, 
Hayes  Dickinson,  D.  F.  Dietrich  & Sons,  Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart, 
Tyrus  B.  Dubbs,  Eckert  & Bro.,  P.  F.  Eisenbrown  & Son,  George  Eltz, 
W.  Herbert  Ermentrout,  Ermentrout  & Deysher,  D.  S.  Esterly,  C.  M. 
Evans,  Nat  Ferguson,  First  National  Bank,  C.  T.  Fox,  E.  S.  Fox  & Co., 
EliW.  Fox  & Co.,  A.  S.  Flicker,  H.  J.  Fueller,  Gasser  & Johnson,  Gately 
& Britton,  E.  R.  Gerber  (Telegram),  James  K.  Getz,  Glase  & Lichten- 
thaler,  J.  L.  & M.  F.  Greene,  H.  B.  Hagy,  Harner  & Pengelly,  G.  How- 
ard Hart,  C.  R.  Harrington,  J.  G.  Hawley  (Eagle,)  I,-.  Heilbron,  C.  F. 
Heller,  Fred  H.  Huy,  F.  P.  Heller,  S.  M.  Helms,  Charles  W.  Hendel, 
Henninger,  Schick  & Hertwig,  Isaac  Hiester,  W.  M.  Hiester,  A.  M. 
High  & Son,  Henry  B.  Hintz,  J.  Geo.  Hintz.  S.  S.  Hoff,  Harry  S.  Hoff- 
man, Robert  H.  Holmes,  Hoskin  & Giles,  F.  J.  Hunt,  James  Hutchi- 
son, Illig  & Bro.,  Industrial  Cigar  Co.,  Jackson  & Hill,  F.  S.  & S.  B. 
Jacobs,  Dr  H.  L.  Johnson,  Richmond  L.  Jones,  J.  H.  Keppelman, 
George  L.  Kestner  & Co.,  Keystone  National  Bank,  Keystone  Wagon 
Co.,  R.  B.  Kinsey,  A.  N.  Kissinger  & Son,  Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co., 
Louis  Kraemer  & Co.,  Joseph  P.  Kremp,  George  M.  Krick,  N.  T. 
Kunkle,  Kurtz  & Mayers,  B.  Y.  Landis,  Dr.  Henry  Landis,  Frank  P. 
Lauer,  J.  G.  Leinbach  & Co.,  Leinbach  & Bro.,  Jacob  A.  Leippe’s 
Sons,  I.  J.  Lerch,  W.  W.  Light,  Livingstone  & Kern,  Joseph 
Loeb,  Hon.  Edward  M.  Luden,  William  H.  Luden,  Charles  L. 
Lyon,  John  R.  Mast  & Co.,  William  McCormick  (Herald),  John 

G.  McGowan,  McHose  & Co.,  Merritt  Bros  , George  M.  Miller,  George 
W.  Miller,  John  R.  Miller  & Co.,  John  D.  Mishler,  James  F.  Mohn,  J.  G. 
Mohn  & Bro.,  William  S.  Mohr,  Charles  F.  Molly,  Montello  Clay  & 


OFFICIALS  OF  READING. 


287 


Brick  Works,  Morton  L.  Montgomery,  David  Moser,  J.  Mould  & Co., 
Matt  Moyer  & Son,  Mt.  Penn  Stove  Works,  Muhlenberg  Bros.,  Mutual 
Fire  Insurance  Co.,  National  Union  Bank,  Dr.  Otto  Noack,  John  H. 
Obold  & Co.,  Orr,  Painter  & Co.,  Henry  M Otto,  B.  F.  Owen, 
Patton  & Billman,  George  D.  Packer,  Penn  Hardware  Co.,  Penn 
National  Bank,  Charles  W.  Pennock,  Price  & Spatz,  Isaiah  Rambo, 
Jr.,  John  B.  Raser,  John  W.  Rauch,  Fred.  Row,  Reading  Foun- 
dry Co.,  Reading  Hardware  Co.,  Reading  Scale  & Machine  Co., 
Reading  Times  Publishing  Co.,  James  T.  Reber,  W.  F.  Remppis,  Rick 
Bros.,  John  A.  Rigg,  J.  K Righter,  Milford  N.  Ritter  (Adler,)  WalterG. 
Roland,  George  W.  Romig,  Wm.  Rosenthal  (Post,)  Rourke  & Heinly, 
Herman  F.  L.  Rummel,  A.  H Satterth waite,  B.  & J.  Saylor,  S.  S. 
Schweriner,  Schuylkill  Valley  Bank,  Schrader  & Kline,  Dr.  F.  R. 
Schmucker,  Leo  Schaetzle,  Schnader,  Nagle  & Co.,  G.  A Schlechter, 
W.  Y.  Schmucker,  Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  Second  National  Bank, 
C.  H.  Sembower,  F.  Shunk  Planing  Mill  Co.,  A.  P.  H.  Saul,  Wm.  F. 
Shanaman,  C.  A.  Sheidy,  W.  D.  Smith,  A.  F.  Smith,  M.  J.  Snook,  J. 
E.  Spears,  J.  C.  Stocker,  J.  H.  Sternbergh,  Stichter  Hardware  Co.,  D. 
W.  Stehman,  E.  P.  Stofer,  John  D.  Strunk,  Albert  Thalheimer,  Fred. 
Treuleben,  Jacob  Truby,  Wellington  VanReed,  Dr.  Robert  Walter, 
Jacob  Walter,  S.  Weida,  Hon.  Jacob  Weidel,  Harry  C.  Weber,  G.  C. 
Weile,  C.  K.  Whitner  & Co.,  Winter  & Goetz,  Charles  W.  Wilhelm, 
Daniel  H.  Wingerd,  Charles  G.  Willson.  C.  J.  Wickersham,  J.  Ed. 
Wanner,  Aaron  Yocom,  James  W.  Yocum,  W.  H.  Yoder. 


OFFICIALS  OF  READING — 1898. 

ELECTED  OFFICIALS. 

[■^Democrat — tRepublican.] 

Mayor.  — J acob  W eidel.  * 

Controller. — Adam  H.  Leader. f 

Treasurer. — Dr.  John  Y.  Hoffman,*  elected  by  Councils  to  fill  unex- 
pired term  of  Henry  G.  Young,  resigned. 

City  Assessors. — Daniel  Beidler,f  Aaron  H.  Donklef  and  Abraham 
F.  Reeser.f 

MEMBERS  OF  COUNCILS. 

Select  Council: — 1st  Ward,  Matthew  Rhoda;*  2nd  Ward,  William  R. 
Madden;!  3rd  Ward,  Jacob  B.  Stout;*  4th  Ward,  H L.  Johnson;!  5th 
Ward,  William  H.  Bitting;!  6th  Ward,  William  W.  Wunder;f  7th  Ward, 
Howard  L.  Boas;!  8th  Ward,  John  H.  Close;*  9th  Ward,  George  W. 
Romig;*  10th  Ward,  John  A.  Rauen;*  nth  Ward,  H.  J.  Wentzel;*  12th 
Ward,  Amos  H.  Beard;*  13th  Ward,  Wm.  Abbott  Witman;*  14th  Ward, 
Isaac  W.  Hull;*  15th  Ward,  P Monroe  Krick;*  16th  Ward,  Geo.  B. 
Clouser.  Clerk,  Edwin  L.  Lindemuth.* 

Common  Council: — 1st  Ward,  William  Templin;f  2nd  Ward,  Rufus 
W.  Wolfskill ;t  3rd  Ward,  James  P.  Morgan;*  4th  Ward,  John  M. 
Archer ;f  5th  Ward,  Edward  C.  Eben;f  6th  Ward,  Robert  B.  Harris;! 


288 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


7th  Ward,  Robert  D.  Millholland;t  8th  Ward,  K.  Harry  Cleaver;*  9th 
Ward,  Joseph  Witman;*  10th  Ward,  Richard  L.  Lawrence;*  nth  Ward, 
Samuel  E.  Cummings;*  12th  Ward,  James  P.  Yorgy;*  13th  Ward,  J. 
Ashton  Parker;*  14th  Ward,  John  H.  Mast;*  15th  Ward,  Geo.  W. 
Shaffer;*  16th  Ward,  John  H.  Bach.*  Clerk,  Howard  N.  Goodman.* 

APPOINTED  OFFICIALS. 

Department  of  Police: — Chief  of  Police,  Jacob  Etzel,  appointed  to 
fill  unexpired  term  of  John  F.  Albrecht,  resigned.  Sergeants:— Charles 
L.  Kenderdine,  Robert  C.  Weidel,  Wm.  H.  Seiders  and  F.  Hintz. 

Patrolmen: — George  Albrecht,  Joseph  Auchter,  John  Bachman, 
Charles  Barlet,  Jacob  Becker,  Daniel  W.  Bobst,  Augustus  Bulles,  James 
T.  Clay,  George  Coxe,  Charles  Fegely,  William  P.  Foos,  John  Fred- 
ericks, William  Grimmer,  Michael  Hain,  Lewis  Hatt,  Charles  Heth- 
erington,  Matthias  Hoffman,  David  Holl,  Rudolph  Imhoff,  Morris 
Iscovitz,  George  Klemmer,  Jacob  P.  Kuhn,  James  Kuhns,  William 
Lemmer,  William  Link,  John  Machamer,  Amos  Manmiller,  William 
Merkel,  Stephen  McDonough,  William  McDonough,  Hiester  Obold, 
Frank  Omler,  Charles  Orth,  Hugh  O’Rourke,  Mahlon  Raudenbush, 
Washington  B.  Romig,  Peter  B.  Rothermel,  Charles  Rourke,  Edward 
Sauer,  Harry  Saylor,  George  Seibert,  Frank  Seiling,  George  Wagner, 
George  Weber,  Henry  L.  Wickel,  Frederick  Wick. 

Supt.  Police  Patrol  System,  William  S.  Hoffman;  Patrol  Drivers, 
Thomas  Kissinger  and  Warren  Heller;  Operators,  Samuel  Lewis  and 
Charles  E Mast;  Police  Clerk,  Robert  C.  Weidel;  Turnkeys,  John 
Steinle  and  Gustavus  Haage;  Police  Matron,  Mrs.  Lizzie  S.  Miller; 
Janitress,  Mrs.  Kate  Goodman;  Scavenger,  Herbert  Moyer. 

Department  of  Finance: — City  Clerk’s  office: — City  Clerk,  Horace  H. 
Hammer;!  Assistant  City  Clerk,  Walter  F.  Bush;f  and  Clerk,  Thomas 
Hammer.  Controller’s  office:— Clerks,  Martha  M.  Schroeder  and 
Katharine  A.  Rice.  Treasurer’s  office: — Assistant  Treasurer,  Harry 
Ritter,*  and  Stenographer,  Lulu  M.  Brouch. 

Departme7it  of  Law: — City  Solicitor’s  Office:— City  Solicitor,  William 
J.  Rourke,*  and  Clerk,  Foster  Biehl. — Building  Inspector,  John  S. 
Wagner*. 

Department  of  Surveys: — City  Engineer,  Samuel  S.  Hoff,  and  Assist- 
ant Engineer,  Elmer  H.  Beard. — Draughtsman,  William  J.  Hoch. — 
Transitmen,  Edmund  B.  Ulrich  and  Frederick  B Adams£. — Rodmen, 
Arthur  C.  Kretz,  George  E.  Miller,  Charles  C.  Barto|  and  John  Rieger^. 

— Chainmen:— Charles  L.  Ryan,  and  Joseph  R.  Schmitt. — Registry 
Clerk,  Walter  Yorgy,  and  Assistant  Wm.  E.  Reed. — Inspector  of  Ma- 
terials, Charles  W.  Gerhard^.  Those  marked  § were  appointed  under 
resolution  of  Councils  for  special  work. 

Department  of  Markets: — Commissioner,  Albert  Merz. 

Department  of  Fire: — Chief  Engineer,  George  W.  Miller;  Assistant  ' 
Engineers,  Morris  Weaver  and  Calvin  Addis.  Superintendent  Fire 
Alarm  System,  William  S.  Hoffman. 


OFFICIALS  OF  READING. 


289 


Department  of  Water:—  Commissioners  of  Board,  Frank  A.  Tyson, 
president;  George  H.  Felix,  Matthan  Harbster  and  F.  P.  Heller;  secre- 
tary, E.  L.  Lindemuth;  chief  clerk,  James  Hangen;  and  assistant,  Fritz 
M.  Schroeder.  Superintendent,  Emil  L.  Nuebling;  asssistant,  Harry  K. 
Brown;  foreman,  Richard  Robinson;  draughtsman,  Samuel  D.  Koch; 
engineers  at  Maidecreek  pumping  station,  William  H.  Ketchley  and 
Nathan  Auchenbach;  inspectors,  Charles  E.  Miller  and  George  J.  Butler. 

Department  of  Health: — Directors  of  Board.  Dr.  A.  B.  Dundore, 
president;  Dr.  W.  F Marks,  Dr.  S.  L.  Kurtz,  Dr.  J.  N.  Becker,  D.  P. 
Schlott,  T.  P.  Merritt,  and  C.  H.  Schaeffer;  secretary,  James  Hangen; 
commissioner,  Roland  Laing;  plumbing  inspector,  Thomas  E.  Weber. 

Department  of  Public  Parks: — Commissioners,  George  F.  Baer, 
president;  David  E.  Benson,  Walter  S.  Davis  and  John  A.  Strohecker. 
Superintendent,  William  H.  Burke;  gardeners,  Charles  Gindra,  and  as- 
sistant, Harry  Beard;  park  guards,  Ammon  Griesemer  and  Charles 
Heisler. 

Department  of  Tax: — Board  of  Revision  of  Taxes  and  Appeals, 
James  P.  Yorgy,  chairman;  Samuel  E.  Cummings,  Wm.  H.  Wetherhold, 
Isaac  W.  Hull,  Zach.  D.  Saylor;  license  collector,  Harry  E.  Hawman. 

Department  of  Public  Works: — Commissioners,  Ferdinand  Goetz, 
president;  James  L.  Douglas,  George  Eltz  and  Charles  W.  Potteiger; 
chief  commissioner  of  highways  and  sewers,  Samuel  S.  Hoff. 

Department  of  Highways: — Foreman,  1st  district,  Michael  R.  Fred- 
ericks; 2nd  district,  Frank  Aulenbach;  3rd  district,  H.  John  Kintzer; 
4th  district,  Frank  German. 

Department  of  Sewers: — Engineers,  James  S.  Miller,  Andrew 
Schmittinger,  and  Wayne  Brown;  firemen,  John  McConkey,  Harry 
Graul  and  Henry  C.  Diehl;  watchmen,  Coldren Frankhauser,  Samuel  A. 
Buckley  and  Daniel  Sheehan;  repairsman,  Louis  G.  Broschkowsky. 

ALDERMEN  AND  CONSTABLES. 

Aldermen: — 1st  ward,  Charles  E.  Stout;f  2nd  ward,  Franklin  W.  Noll;f 
3rd  ward,  Howard  Hoch*;  4th  ward,  Wm.  H.  Houck  ;|  5th  ward, 
Charles  W.  Yarnell;f  6th  ward,  F.  C.  Clemson;f  7th  ward,  John  G.  L. 
Brownwell;t  8th  ward,  Albert  H.  Fegely;*  9th  ward,  E.  C.  Kirschmann;* 
10th  ward,  John  A.  Merkel;*  nth  ward,  Wm.  F.  Weber;*  12th  ward, 
Henry  S.  Yocom;t  13th  ward,  David  C.  Boyer;f  14th  ward,  E.  P.  Van 
Reed;t  15th  ward,  Wm.  T.  Snyder;*  16th  ward,  Geo.  W.  Brown. f 

Constables: — 1st  ward,  Lewis  M.  Rhoads;f  2nd  ward,  George  Gehret;* 
3rd  ward,  Charles  H.  Derr;f  4th  ward,  Milton  C.  Kreider;*  5th  ward, 
Charles  M.  Deem;t  6th  ward,  Henry  Ruth;*  7th  ward,  L.  A.  Strubell;t 
8th  ward,  George  B.  Wagner;*  9th  ward,  Harry  C.  Beck;*  10th  ward, 
Harry  C.  Wise;*  nth  ward,  Jacob  B.  Reifsnyder;*  12th  ward,  John  C. 
Borrell;*  13th  ward,  Isaiah  J.  Beck;*  14th  ward,  John  Gottschall;f  15th 
ward,  Edward  Conner;*  16th  ward,  Irvin  S.  Clouse.* 


290 


HISTORY  OF  READING. 


SCHOOL  BOARD. 1898. 

OFFICERS. 

President,  J.  Edward  Wanner;  Secretary,  Francis  Roland,  Jr. ; Treas- 
urer, Albert  R.  Hoover;  City  Superintendent , Ebenezer  Mackey;  Solici- 
tor, Walter  S.  Young;  Superintendent  of  Repairs,  Daniel  S.  Reider; 
Librarian,  K.  Laura  Mengel. 

CONTROLLERS. 

1st  Ward  —George  E.  Tyson,  Henry  T.  Melcher,  William  A.  Barber, 
Geo.  F.  Hagenman. 

2nd  Ward.— John  Morris,  Elmer  A.  German,  Frank  Kissinger,  Henry 

A.  Harner. 

3rd  Ward. — Henry  W Schick,  Thomas  G.  Printz,  B.  Frank  Ruth, 
Chester  B.  Jennings. 

4th  Ward.— John  H.  Obold,  William  J.  Bobst,  Jefferson  M.  Keller,  Ed- 
ward W.  James. 

5th  Ward. — Harry  F.  Hahn,  Wellington  Van  Reed,  Alvin  N.  Boyer, 
Lloyd  Nunemacher. 

6th  Ward. — John  G.  Heck,  Walter  Prutzman,  Charles  H.  Frederick, 
Charles  N.  Seitzinger. 

7th  Ward: — Ellsworth  A.  Leinbach,  Howard  Keppelman,  John  H. 
Maltzberger,  J.  Edward  Wanner. 

8th  Ward. — Seymour  T.  Schmehl,  James  R.  Mercer,  Cyrus  Wertz, 
Edwin  B.  Gettis. 

9th  Ward. — Elias  H.  Frantz,  Eli  D.  Emerich,  Harry  A.  Heckman, 
Benj.  F.  Hunsicker. 

10th  Ward.  Henry  H.  Weitzel,  John  J.  Phillipson,  Charles  F.  Brissel, 
William  H.  Longacre. 

nth  Ward. — Urias  R.  Fisher,  Charles  A.  Hawk,  Alfred  Gunkel, 
Howard  S.  Becker. 

12th  Ward. — Daniel  K.  Biehl,  John  L.  Seiders,  Harry  S.  Levan, 
Albert  G.  Bauman. 

13th  Ward. — Abraham  Whitman,  Hiram  M.  Trout,  Evan  C.  Wentzel, 
George  J.  Trievel. 

14th  Ward. — Samuel  J.  Waid,  William  W.  Fetter,  George  R.  Hoover, 

B.  Frank  Fink. 

15th  Ward,  Geo.  W.  Wagner,  David  K.  Kaufman,  Howard  E Ahrens, 
Chas.  F.  Kiesling. 

16th  Ward. — Samuel  H.  Fulmer,  S.  E.  Ancona,  Daniel  F.  Printz, 
John  B.  Houp. 

READING  POST  OFFICE 1898. 

Officers: — John  S.  Thompson,  Postmaster,  (having  been  assistant  un- 
der Calvin  Goodman,  postmaster,  from  August  1,  1888,  to  March  21, 
1891,  expiration  of  term);  Charles  W.  Hoover,  assistant;  J.  Allen  Riegel, 
foreman  of  letter  carriers. 


OFFICIALS  OF  POST  OFFICE. 


29I 


Clerks:— William  F.  Kinch,  money  order;  Daniel  P.  Rhoads,  registry; 
Francis  D.  Ritter,  Elmer  A.  Reeser,  Harry  K.  Brunner  and  Horace  S. 
Althouse,  mailing;  John  Scheifly,  stamp;  George  W Clous,  Harry  E. 
Swartz,  James  B.  Potteiger,  and  Charles  W.  Kreitzer,  distributing;  Ray- 
mond G.  Lotz,  gen’l  delivery;  Harry  M.  Schroeder,  stamping;  Oscar  J. 
Leibv,  substitute;  Raymond  L.  Diehl,  special  delivery  messenger. 

Letter  Carriers: — Horace  D.  Boone,  Marks  Boyer,  B.  Frank  DeHart, 
Harry  L.  Diehl,  George  W.  Dorsey,  Charles  Dutt,  David  L.  Evans, 
Edward  D.  Fisher,  Frank  R.  Fichthorn,  Robert  Gerlach,  William  H. 
Gross,  Daniel  W.  Guldin,  Thomas  G.  Harper,  Thomas  J.  High,  J.  Morris 
High,  George  C.  Houck,  Daniel  James,  Peter  S.  Keffer,  David  F. 
Knabb,  William  Laubenstine,  Frank  H.  Minkhouse,  George  J.  Morris- 
son,  Augustus  Potteiger,  William  H.  Rodgers,  John  R.  Sayer,  Jerome 
Seiders,  John  Shaaber,  Edward  M.  Shirey,  George  McC.  Spohn,  Edward 
A.  Stoeckel,  Franklin  Taylor,  John  T.  Taylor,  Franklin  B.  Thomas, 
John  N.  Machter,  Henry  A.  Weidensaul. 

Substitute  Carriers:— Jacob  H.  Rhoads,  John  H.  Zerr,  George  H. 
Hepler,  John  P.  Eiche,  Thomas  Kissinger. 

Treasury  Department:— John  S.  Thompson,  custodian;  Harvey  W, 
Witmoyer,  janitor;  Francis  P.  Shannon,  night  watchman;  Louisa  E. 
Rhoads,  char-woman. 


INDEX 


A. 

Acme  Bicycle  Manf’g  Co.,  107. 

Acme  Hosiery  Factory,  143. 
Accommodations  Committee,  220. 

Adam’s  Express  Co.,  149. 

Agricultural  Implements,  102. 

Albright  Express,  149. 

Alexander  Hat  Factory,  158. 

Ammon  Underwear  Factory,  139. 
Anderson  Jewelry  Factory,  182. 

Angelica  Ice  & Water  Co.,  160. 
Anniversary  Proceedings,  231. 

Appointive  Officials  of  Reading,  83. 
Achilles  Knitting  Mills,  142: 

Artificial  Ice  Plants,  161. 

Assessment  for  1898,  88. 

Associations,  60. 

Atlantic  Oil  Refining  Co.,  188. 

Auburn  Bolt  & Nut  Works,  175. 

B. 

Badge  Manufactories,  102. 

Bakeries,  103. 

Bauds,  Musical,  74-75. 

Banks,  19,  67. 

Banks,  Statement  of,  67. 

Barbey’s  Brewery,  117. 

Bard  Wheel  and  Carriage  Factory,  129. 
Baskets,  105. 

Bausher  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

Beethoven  Society,  72. 

Bending  Works,  106. 

Benevolent  Society,  75. 

Berks  County  Jaw  Eibrary,  71. 

Berks  County  Medical  Society,  71. 

Berks  Foundry  and  Manf’g  Co.,  172. 

Berks  Overall  Manf’g  Co.,  139. 

Bicycle  Parade,  271. 

Bicycle  Parade  Committee,  220. 

Bicycle  Races,  269. 

Bicycles,  Manufacture  of,  106. 

Biehl  Carriage  Factory,  128. 

Bingaman  Street  Bridge,  41-42. 

Blessing  Roasting  Mill,  203. 

Board  of  Trade,  First,  etc.,  68. 

Board  of  Trade,  Action  of  for  Sesqui-Cen- 
tennial,  217. 


Board  of  Trade,  Officers,  etc.,  284. 

Boat  Building,  m. 

Bobst  Hosiery  Factory,  141. 

Bohler  Organ  Factory,  189. 

Book  Binderies,  in 
Borough  Erected,  18. 

Boss  Knitting  Machine  Works,  178. 
Bottling  Works,  118, 

Box  Factories,  112. 

Boj'er  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

Boyer  Carpet  Factory,  127. 

Boyer  & Bro.,  Machinery,  172. 

Boyer  & Heilig  Cigar  Box  Factory,  113, 
Boys’  Brigade,  81. 

Braids  and  Trimmings,  115. 

Brass  Works,  115. 

Bread  Making,  104, 

Bretzel  Baking,  105. 

Breweries,  116. 

Bridges,  18,  40. 

Brooms,  122. 

Brossman  Cigar  Factory,  132. 

1 Brown  Bros.  Cigar  Box  Factory,  113. 
Brown,  Harry  A.,  Eocal  Express,  149. 
Brumbach  Pants  Factory,  137. 
Brumbach  Woolen  Mills,  137. 

Brushes,  123. 

Brusstar  Shirt  Factory,  198. 

Builders  before  1850,  124. 

Building  Brick,  119. 

Building  Stones,  202. 

Buildings  of  Reading  in  1898,  89. 
Bureau  of  Employment,  75. 

Burgesses,  Eist  of,  86, 

Burnett  Green-House,  153. 

B.  & S.  A.,  67. 

c. 

Caldwell  Cotton  Batting  Mill,  139. 
Canals,  19,  45. 

Candles,  Manufacture  of,  201. 

Candy,  125. 

Canstatter  Volks-Fest  Verein,  80. 
Capallo  Candle  Factory,  201. 

Carpenter  Steel  Co.,  176. 

Caps,  Manufacture  of,  159. 

Carpets,  126. 


INDEX. 


293 


Carriages  Committee,  220. 

Carriages,  Wagons  and  Wheels,  127. 
Cause  of  Development  of  Reading,  99. 
Cavalcade  and  Corso  Committee,  220. 
Cavalcade  and  Corso  Parade,  265. 
Cement  Paving,  129. 

Cemeteries,  44. 

Census,  87,  89. 

Central  Planing  Mill,  196. 

Chain  Making,  181. 

Chantrell  Tool  Co.,  178. 

Charitable  Societies,  75. 

Churches,  15,  21,  53. 

Churches  and  Schools,  15,  21. 

Churches,  Schools  and  Newspapers,  53. 
Cigar  Box  Factories,  112. 

Cigars,  129. 

Cigar  Manufacturers  in  1898,  130. 

City  by  Decades,  1847 — 1897,  27. 

City  Assessors,  85,  287. 

City  Hall  established,  43 
City  Laundry,  183/ 

City  Officials,  83,  287. 

City  Officials  Committee,  221. 

Civic  Day,  233. 

Civic  Demonstration  Committee,  221. 
Civic  Parade.  233. 

Civil  War,  33. 

Clothing,  Manufacture  of,  135. 

Clouser,  A.  S.,  Creamery,  144. 

Club  Houses,  67. 

Cold  Storage,  137. 

Coller,  Obadiah  B.,  Local  Express,  149. 
Colored  Population,  90. 

Colors  Committee,  221. 

Committees  of  Sesqui-Centennial,  220. 
Committee  Work,  227. 

Common  Commissioners,  85,  289. 
Common  School  System,  55. 
Comparative  Statement,  1898,  90. 
Comparative  Statistics,  87,  88. 

Concert,  Illumination  and,  250. 
Connard  Brass  Foundry,  115. 

Connard  Green  House,  154. 

Consumers  Gas  Co.,  51,  152. 

Cook  Basket  Factory,  105. 

Cotton  Goods,  138. 

County  Erected,  11. 

County  Offices,  (State  House),  37. 
County  Prison,  36. 

County  Seat,  11. 

Court  House,  34. 

Courtesy  Committee,  221. 

Cracker  Baking,  105. 

Creameries,  143. 

Crouse  Cigar  Factory,  132. 

Curtis,  Jones  & Co.,  Shoe  Factory,  199. 

D. 

Davies,  Printz  & Co.,  171. 

Decades  of  Reading  1847-1897,  28-32. 


1 Decorations  Committee,  223. 
i Deem  Bakery,  104. 

: DeHart  Hosiery  Mill,  143. 

j Department  Stores,  144. 
j Departments  of  Government,  84. 

; Deppen’s  Brewery,  117. 

I Design  of  Envelope  Committee,  223. 
j Development  of  Reading  1783-1847,  95. 
j Development  of  Reading  1847-1897,  96. 

I Development  of  Reading,  cause  of,  99. 

1 Deysher  Wooden  Box  Factory,  114. 

I Diamond  Steel  Co.,  177. 

I Dibert  Cigar  Factory,  132. 
j Dietrich  Flour  Mill,  151. 
j Distinguished  Visitors,  1783-1847,  22. 

Distinguished  Visitors,  Entertainment 
of,  277. 

j Dives,  Pomeroy  & Stewart.  Store,  144. 
Drenkel  Brush  Factory,  124. 

Dwellings  of  Reading,  1898,  89. 

I Drexel  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

E. 

i Eagle  Knitting  Mills,  143. 

Early  Education,  54. 

Employments,  91. 

Exhibitions,  22. 

Traffic,  92. 

j Eben  Sand-stone  works,  186. 
i Eckert  Fire  Brick  Works,  121. 

I Eddy  Kite  Display,  238. 

Edgett  Cigar  Box  Factory.  113. 

! Educational  Affairs  of  Town,  15. 

Eisenbrown  Granite  Works,  187. 
j Eisenhower  & Fink  Planing  Mill,  194. 
j Elective  Officials  of  Reading,  83. 

I Electric  Light  and  Power,  52,  148. 
Electrical  Display  Committee,  223. 
Electricitj1-,  148. 

Elevation  of  Reading,  40. 

Elevation  of  Mt.  Neversink,  40. 

Elevation  of  Mt.  Penn,  40. 

Employments  before  1783,  91. 

I Employments  in  1840,  94. 

I Emploj^ments  in  1898,  215. 
j Engle  Paper  Box  Factor,  114. 

English  War  of  1812-15,  24- 
Enumeration  of  Reading,  87,  89. 
Envelope,  Official  Design  for,  227,  228. 
Ermentrout,  Mrs.  Daniel,  Reception  at 
Residence,  240. 

Escutcheon  and  Flag,  277. 

Eshelman  & Endy  Cigar  Factorjq  133. 
Evans,  Charles,  Cemeter}’,  44. 

I Excelsior  Bottling  Works,  1 18. 

Excelsior  Brass  Foundry,  116. 

Excelsior  Laundry,  182. 

Excelsior  Planing  Mill,  196. 

Executive  Committee,  Members  of,  219. 
Executive  Committee,  Proceedings  of,  218 
Express  and  Transfer  Companies,  149. 


294 


INDEX. 


F. 

Ferries  and  Bridges,  40. 

Fertilizer,  150. 

Fett  & Son  Bottling  Works,  118. 
Fichthorn  Cigar  Box  Factory,  113. 
Fichthorn  Tannery*  184. 

Filbert  Shirt  Factory,  199. 

File  Cutting,  180. 

Finance  Committee,  223. 

Finance  Committee,  Report  of,  281. 
Financial  Associations,  67. 

Fire  Alarm,  62. 

Apparatus,  61. 

Apparatus  Works,  150. 

Brick,  121. 

Companies,  15,  20,  61. 

Company  Buildings,  43. 
Equipment,  62. 
on  Penn  Square,  257. 

Firemen’s  Parade,  254. 

Firemen’s  Parade  Committee,  223. 
Firemen’s  Union,  61. 

Fireworks  Committee,  223. 

Fireworks,  Display  of,  238. 

First  Occupants  of  Reading,  9. 

First  Patents,  9. 

First  Store,  14. 

Fisher  Bottling  Works,  118. 

Flag,  Escutcheon  and,  277. 

Flatt  Brush  Factory,  124. 

Flour  Mills,  150. 

Former  Residents  Committee,  223. 
Franklin  Iron  Works,  169. 

Frees  File  Factory,  180. 

French  and  Indian  War,  16. 

Freshets,  42. 

Friday,  June  10th,  265. 

Fries  Candy  Factory,  126. 

Fries  & Croessant  Bottling  Works,  118. 
Fox  Terra  Cotta  Works,  205. 

Fulton  Stone  Crusher,  202. 

Furnaces,  164,  166. 

Furniture,  151. 

F.  & A.  M.,  64. 

G. 

G.  A.  R.,  65. 

Galvanizing  and  Nickel  Plating,  151. 
Gas,  Manufacture  of,  152. 

Gas  Eight,  51. 

Gasser  & Johnson  Planing  Mill,  195. 
Germania  Baud,  74,  265,  274. 

Getz  Enumeration,  87. 

Getz  Marble  Works,  186. 

Glass,  Manufacture  of,  152. 

Glue,  Manufacture  of,  152. 

Goelt  Carpet  Factory,  127. 

Goodman  Bakery,  104. 

Government  of  Reading,  81. 

Granite  Works,  186. 


Grand  Choral  Concert,  250. 

Grant  of  Land  to  Wm.  Penn,  9. 

Graul  & Co.  Brick  Kilns,  120. 
Green-Houses,  153. 

Greetings  from  Reading,  Eng.,  279.  • 
Greth  Machine  Works,  171. 

Grimshaw  Silk  Mill,  200. 

Guenther  Hat  Factory,  158. 

| Guests  of  Womans’  Committee,  Recep- 
tion to,  239. 

Gumpert  Bros.  Cigar  Factory,  133. 

Guns  and  Gun  Barrels,  154. 

H. 

Haak  Stone  Crusher,  201. 

Hafer  Cornice  Works,  188. 

Hain  Cornice  Works,  187. 

Halls,  52. 

Hampden  Planing  Mill,  196. 
Handkerchiefs,  Manufacture  of,  139. 
Hansen  Cigar  Factory,  133. 

Harmonie  Maennerchor,  72. 

Harmonie  Maennerchor  Library,  71. 

Hats  and  Caps,  154. 

Hawk  & Longeuderfer  Hosiery  Fac- 
tory, 142. 

Health  Commissioners,  85,  289. 

Heine  Stained  Glass  Works,  204. 

Heller’s  Book  Bindery,  112. 

Helfrich  Hosiery  Factory,  142. 

Hendel  Hat  Factory,  155. 

Hendel,  C.  W.,  Hat  Factory,  158, 

; Hendel  Hosiery  Factory,  143. 

Hendelton  Hat  Factory,  158. 

Hendricks  & Adams  Bretzel  Factory,  105. 
Henry  Clay  Furnaces,  166. 

Hepler  Green-House,  153. 

Hercules  Paper  Bag  Factory,  192. 

Hiester,  Edwin  C.,  Local  Express,  149. 
Himmelberger  & Smith  Carriage  Fac- 
tory, 129. 

I Hinnershotz  Green-House,  154. 

Hirshland  Pants  Factory,  137. 
j Historical  Society  of  Berks  Co.,  71. 

I History  of  Reading  Committee,  223. 

I Hodges  Mattress  Factory,  187. 

Hollis  Candy  Factory,  126. 

Home  for  Friendless  Children,  79. 
Homoeopathic  Hospital,  78. 

Horine  Planing  Mill,  196. 

Horse  Collars,  159. 

Hosiery,  Manufacture  of,  140. 

Hoskin  & Giles  Green-House,  153. 
Hostetter  Candy  Factory,  126. 

House  of  Good  Shepherd,  79, 

Hunt  Cigar  Factory,  133. 

I. 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  64. 

I.  O.  R.  M.,  66. 

Ice,  Natural  and  Artificial,  160. 


INDEX. 


295 


Ice  Cream,  161. 

Illig,  J.  C.  & Bro.,  store,  145. 

Illumination  during  Anniversary,  250. 
Illumination  Committee,  224. 
Independent  Drum  and  Flute  Corps,  75. 
Industrial  Affairs  of  Borough,  20. 
Associations,  68. 

Character  of  Reading,  92. 

Cigar  Manf  g Co.,  134. 

Establishments  in  1898,  100. 

Parade,  258. 

Parade,  Committee,  224. 

Industries  of  Reading  in  1847,  96. 
Industries  of  Reading,  1898,  101. 
Insignia  Committee,  224. 

Insurance  Companies,  68. 

Instrumental  Music,  74. 

Internal  Improvements,  19,  34. 
Invitation  Committee,  224. 

Iron  Industries,  161. 

J. 

Jackson  Rope  Factory,  197. 

Jackson  & Hill  Paint  Works,  190. 
Jewelry,  Manufacture  of,  181. 

Jr.  O.  U.  A.  M.,  66. 

K. 

K.  G.  E.,  64. 

Kades  Hosiery  Factory,  142. 

Kahler  Cigar  Factory,  134. 

Kaltenbach  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

Kase  Stained  Glass  Works,  204. 

Keller,  Jefferson  M.,  Ice,  160. 

Kerper  Tannery,  183. 

Kessler  Hat  Factory,  157. 

Keystone  Brewery,  117. 

Cycle  Co.,  no. 

Iron  Works,  168. 

Knitting  Mill,  140. 

Ribbon  Badge  Co.,  103. 

Spice  Mills,  203. 

Wagon  Co.,  128. 

Kiefer  Iron  Works,  180. 

Kirscbman  Broom  Factory,  123. 
Klawanski  Shirt  Factory,  199. 

Kline  Brass  Foundry,  116. 

Kline  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

Kline,  Eppihimer  & Co.,  Store,  145. 
Kline  & Winter  Cigar  Factory,  134. 
Klondike  Cold  Storage  Co.,  138. 

Knoll  & Althouse  Factory,  102. 

Koller  Candy  Factory,  125. 

Kreider  Carriage  Factory,  128. 
Kuersteu  & Rick  Hosiery  Factory,  143. 

L. 

Lauer  Brewery,  116. 

Laundries,  182. 

Leaman  Soap  Factory,  200. 

Leather,  Manufacture  of,  1S3. 

Legal  Association  of  Berks  Co.,  72. 


Lehr  Cigar  Factory,  134. 

Leinbach  & Bro.,  Clothiers,  136. 

Leippe  Bending  Works.  106. 

Lessig  Bros.,  102. 

Lessig  Washing  Machine  Works,  206. 
Levan  Enumeration,  87. 

Levan  Glue  Factory,  152. 

Liberty  Cornet  Band,  75. 

I Liberty  Poles  of  1799,  24- 
Libraries,  70. 

Lichtenthaeler  Bretzel  Factory,  105 
Lightingof  Borough,  20. 

Literary  Associations,  70. 

Location  of  City,  39. 

Lock-making,  180. 

Lots  sold,  First,  10. 

Luden  Candy  Factory,  125. 

M. 

Madlem  Pattern  Shop,  193. 

Maerz  Cigar  Factory,  134. 

Malt,  Manufacture  of,  185. 

Manufactories  of  Reading,  1840,  94. 
Marble,  Sandstone  & Granite. Works,  186. 
Market  Houses,  35. 

Mattresses,  187. 

Mayor’s  Enumeration  of  1898,  89. 

Mayors,  List  of,  86. 

McCollough  Galvanizing  Works,  151. 
McConnell  Bicycle  Bell  Factory,  no. 
McGowan  Shirt  Factory,  198. 

Mcllvain  Iron  Works,  168. 

Medical  Associations,  71. 

Medical  Committee,  224. 

Mertz  Bakery,  104. 

Metallic  Cornices,  187. 

Metropolitan  Electric  Co.,  52,  148. 
Mexican  War,  25. 

Military  Associations,  60. 

Miller  Bakery,  104. 

Miller  Flour  Sack  Factory,  192. 

Miller  Hat  Factory,  157. 

Miller  Soap  Factory,  200. 

Miller  Stone  Works,  187. 

Millholland  Tube  Works,  no. 
Miscellaneous  Employments,  List  of, 
in  1898,  215. 

Mishler’s  Academy,  52. 

Mitchell  Cracker  Factory,  105. 

Model  Laundry,  183. 

Moers  Marble  Yard,  186. 

Mohn  Hat  Factory,  156. 

Monday,  June  6th,  232. 

Montello  Clay  & Brick  Co.,  121. 

Montello  Hat  Factory,  159. 

Morgan  Paint  W orks,  190. 

Mould  J.  & Co.,  Store,  147. 

Mountain  Railroads,  48. 

Mozart  Musical  Union,  73. 

Mt.  Neversink,  Elevation  of,  40. 


INDEX. 


296 

Mt.  Penn,  Elevation  of,  40. 

Gravity  R R.,48. 

Paper  Box  Co. , 1 14. 

Stove  Works,  173. 

Muhlenberg  Brewery,  118. 

Mull,  John  B.,  Clothing  house,  137. 

Music  Committee,  224. 

Musical  Societies,  72. 

Myers  & Heim  Clothing-house,  137. 

N. 

Nagel’s  Company  at  Cambridge,  17. 
National  Bolt  and  Nut  Works,  175. 
National  Brass  and  Iron  Works,  115. 
Nationality  of  Inhabitants,  16. 

Natural  Ice  Plants,  160. 

Neversink  Mountain,  Elevation  of,  40. 
Neversink  Mountain  R.  R.,  48. 
Newspapers,  20,  57. 

Nickel-plating  Works,  151. 

Nolde  & Horst  Hosiery  Factory,  141. 

O. 

Official  Design  Committee,  223. 

Design  for  Envelopes,  227,  228. 
Program,  229. 

Program  Committee,  224. 

Officials  of  City,  83,  287. 

Officials  of  Post  Office,  290. 

Oil,  Refining  of,  188. 

Oldest  Buildings,  15. 

Optical  Instruments,  188. 

O’Reilly  Stone  Crusher,  202. 

Organs  and  Pianos,  189. 

Orr  & S embower  Works,  171. 

Overalls,  Manufacture  of,  139. 

P. 

Packer  Cycle  Co.,  no. 

Packerack  Paper  Mill,  191. 

Paff  Stencil  Works,  204. 

Paint,  Manufacture  of,  189. 

Paintings,  194. 

Panic  of  1837,  19. 

Paper  Bags,  Manufacture  of,  192. 

Paper  Boxes,  Manufacture  of,  113. 

Paper,  Manufacture  of,  191. 

Parker  Brick  Kilns,  120. 

Patriotic  Demonstration  Committee,  224. 
Patterns,  Manufacture  of,  193. 

Penn  Boiler  Works,  176. 

Common,  43. 

Hardware  Co.  Works,  166. 

Rubber  Tire  Co.,  198. 

St.  Bridge,  41. 

St.  Paper  Mill,  191. 

Troy  Laundry,  183. 

Wagon  Co.,  128. 

Penn'a  Knitting  Mills,  142. 

Penn’a  Sch.  Yal.  R.  R.,  46. 

Penn’a  Telephone  Co.,  50. 

- eun’s  Visit  to  Reading,  22. 


Perfumery,  Manufacture  of,  193. 
Pflugfelder  Carpet  Factory,  127. 
Photographs,  193. 

Picture  Frames  and  Gilding,  194. 
Pioneers  Committee,  224. 

Planing  Mills,  194. 

Population,  1847 — 1898,  89. 

Population  North  & South  of  Penn  St.,  90. 
P.  O.  S.  of  A.,  66. 

Post  Office,  43. 

Post  Office  Officials,  290. 

Pottery,  Manufacture  of,  196. 

Precinct  Officials,  83. 

Price  & Spatz  Cigar  Factorj',  135. 
Printing  Committee,  225. 

Printz  Brick  Kilns,  1x9. 

Private  Market  Houses,  53. 

Private  Schools,  57. 

Prize  Flag,  School  Parade,  250. 
Professional  Associations,  71. 

Program  Jubilee  Week,  Committee,  225. 
Prominent  Men,  17. 

Protective  Associations,  61. 

Public  Buildings  of  1840,  94. 

Buildings  of  Borough,  18. 

Buildings  of  Town,  15. 

Parks,  43. 

Roads,  38. 

Works,  Board  of,  85,  289. 

Publicity  Committee,  225. 

Pulleys,  Manufacture  of,  197. 

P.  & F.  Nickel  Plating  Works,  151. 

P.  & R.  R.  Co.,  Lines  of  Railroad,  46. 

P.  & R R.  Co.  Works,  162. 

Q- 

Queen  Washing  Machine  Works,  206. 

R. 

Railroad,  First  in  Reading,  19. 

Railroads,  Mountain,  48. 

Steam  45. 

Street,  47. 

Railroads  and  Trausp’u  Committee,  225. 
Reading  Artillerists  in  Camp,  278. 
Benevolent  Society,  75. 

Bolt  & Nut  Works,  174. 

Bottling  Works,  119. 

Braid  Co. , 115 

Brass  Foundry  Co.,  116. 

Brewing  Co.,  117. 

Butt  Works,  169 
Car  Wheel  Co.,  172. 

Chemical  & Fertilizing  Co.,  150, 
Choral  Society,  73. 

Cold  Storage  Co.,  137. 

Confectionery  Co.,  126. 

Cotton  Mill,  138. 

Crane  and  Hoist  Works,  179. 

Cycle  Manf’g  Co.,  no. 

Decorative  Glass  Co.,  204. 

Electrical  Construction  Co  148. 


INDEX. 


297 


Reading  Electric  Supply  Co. , 148. 
Elevation  of,  40. 

Eng.,  Greetings  from,  279. 

Eire  Brick  Works,  121. 

Foundry  Co.,  170. 

Gas  Co.,  51. 

German  Library,  70. 

Glass  Works,  152. 

Granite  Works,  187 
Hardware  Works,  165. 

Hat  and  Cap  Co.,  159. 

Hospital,  77. 

In  1840,  93. 

In  1847,  25. 

In  1898,  208. 

Iron  Co.  Works,  163. 

Knitting  Mills,  140. 

Laundry,  1S3. 

Library,  70. 

Liederkranz,  73. 

Medical  Association,  72. 

Musical  Society,  73. 

Officials,  287. 

Paper  Box  Co.,  1x4. 

Radiator  Co.,  169. 

Review  of,  in  1847,  25. 

Relief  Society,  75. 

Ribbon  Badge  Co.,  102. 

Scale  & Machine  Co.,  170. 

Shale  Brick  Co.,  122. 

Standard  Mfg  Co.,  109. 

Steam  Heat  Co.,  204. 

Stove  Works,  172. 

Tin  Plate  Co.,  205. 

Water  Co.,  20. 

Wood  Pulley  Co. , 197. 

Woolen  Mills,  207 

Reading  and  Southwestern  Railroad 
Co.,  47. 

Reber  Rubber  Stamp  Works,  204. 
Reception  Committee,  225. 

Regatta  Committee,  225. 

Regatta  and  Serenata,  275. 

Regeufuse  Brush  Factory,  123. 

Reid  Optical  Instrument  Works,  188. 
Relay  Bicycle  Mauuf’g  Co.,  109. 

Relief  Society,  75. 

Religious  Societies,  80. 

Remppis  Iron  Works,  179. 

Revolution,  16. 

Richards  & Willits  Electrical  Co.,  148. 
Riegel  Cigar  Factory,  135. 

Rieger  Picture  Frame  Factory,  194. 
Ringgold  Band,  74. 

Roasting  Mills,  203. 

Rolland  Umbrella  Factory,  206. 

Ropes,  Manufacture  of,  197. 

Rubber  Stamps,  Manufacture  of,  204. 
Rubber  Tires,  198. 

Ruth  Paint  Works,  190. 


s. 

Sand,  Production  of,  201. 

Sandstone  Works,  186. 

Saturday,  June  nth,  275. 

Sauppee  & Klee  Candy  Factory,  126. 
Savage  Hat  Factory,  157. 

Schaufert  Bottling  Works,  119. 

Schlechter  Jewelry  Factory,  182. 

Schmehl  Mill- Wright  Shop,  177. 

Schoener  Piano  Factory,  189. 

School  Board,  Officers,  etc.,  290. 

Parade,  240. 

Parade  Committee,  225. 

Parade,  Preparation  for,  249. 

Parade,  Prize  Flag,  250  . 

Schools  of  Reading,  54. 

Schofer,  Henry,  Bakery,  104. 

Schofer,  James  A.,  Bakery,  104. 

Schuylkill  River,  42. 

Scott’s  Visit  to  Reading,  24. 

Secret  Associations,  62-67. 

Sellers,  Medlar  & Bachman,  Clothiers,  136. 
Sesqui-Centenuial,  217. 

Celebration,  218. 

Hymn,  252,  253. 

Conclusion  of,  276. 

Sewers,  40. 

Shade,  John  S.  & Sons,  Store,  146. 
Shanamau  Broom  Factory,  122. 
Shanaman,  Walter  B.,  Broom  Fact’y,  123. 
Shantz  Hosiery  Factory,  142. 

Shenfelder  Pottery,  196. 

Shirts,  Manufacture  of,  198. 

Shoes,  Manufacture  of,  199. 

Shunk  Planing  Mill,  195. 

Signal  Corps  Committee,  225. 

Signal  Corps,  Work  of,  238. 

Silk,  Manufacture  of,  200. 

Smith,  A L.,  Shirt  Factory,  199. 

Smith  Carpet  Factory,  127. 

Smith  Wm.,  Shirt  F'actory,  199 
Snow  Flake  Laundry,  183. 

Soap  and  Candles,  200. 

Soup  Society,  75. 

S.  P.  C.  A.,  80. 

Spalls  and  Sand,  201. 

Spang  & Zacharias  Creamery,  144. 
Spectacles,  Manufacture  of,  202. 

Speidel  Iron  Works,  179. 

! Spice  and  Roasting  Mills,  203. 

Spohn  Creamery,  143. 

St.  Catharine’s  Female  Orphans’  Asy- 
lum, 79. 

St.  Joseph’s  Hospital,  78. 

St . Paul’s  Orphan  Asylum  for  Boys,  80. 
Stage  Coaches,  18,  45. 

Stained-Glass  Works,  204. 

Standard  Paper  Box  Co.,  113. 

J Star  Novelty  Co. , 139. 

State  House  (Count}'  Offices),  37. 


INDEX. 


298 

State  Representatives,  87. 

Steam  Heat,  204. 

Steam  Railroads,  45. 

Steckler  Green-House,  153. 

Steinel  Brush  Factory,  123. 

Steinhauer  Hosiery  Factory,  143. 

Stencils  and  Rubber  Stamps,  204. 

Streets,  39. 

Street  Names  changed,  21. 

Street  Railways,  47. 

Stocker’s  Brewery,  117. 

Stony  Creek  Woolen  Mills,  208. 
Store-house  for  Supplies,  17. 

Structures  before  1850,  125. 

Subscribers,  List  of,  281. 

Sunbeam  Washing  Machine  Works,  206. 
Sunday,  June  5th,  231. 

Surrounding  Towns  in  1748,  10. 
Surrounding  Towns  in  1783,  18. 

Surviving  Business  Men  of  1847,  98, 

S.  & S.  Hosiery  Mills,  143. 

T. 

Table  of  Industries,  1898,  101. 

Taeuzer  Bros.,  Book  Bindery,  in. 
Tanneries,  183. 

Taxables  of  1759,  I2* 

Telegraph,  49. 

Telephone,  50. 

Terra  Cotta  Works,  205. 

Textile  Machine  Works,  178. 

Thalheimer  Cigar  Box  Factory,  112. 
Thalheimer  Handkerchief  Factory,  139. 
Thalheimer  Sand  Bank,  201. 

Theatres,  52. 

Thursday,  June  9th,  258. 

Tiehel  Tannery,  185. 

Tin  Works.  205. 

Town  District  Established,  14. 

Town  Laid  Out,  10. 

Transfer  Companies,  149. 

Trunks,  Manufacture  of,  205. 

Trust  Companies,  68. 

Tuesday,  June  7th,  239. 

Tulpehocken  Paper-Mill,  191. 

Turnpikes,  19,  44. 

u- 

Umbrellas,  Manufacture  of,  206. 

United  States  Express  Co. , 149. 
Underwear,  Manufacture  of,  139. 

Union  Transfer  Co.,  149. 

United  Traction  Co.,  47. 


V. 

Van  Buren’s  Visit  to  Reading,  23. 
Vitrified  Brick,  121. 

Vocal  Music,  72. 

w. 

Wagons,  Manufacture  of,  127. 

Wards  of  Reading,  82. 

Ward  Officials,  83. 

Ware  House  in  1826,  93. 

Washing  Machines,  206. 

Washington  Library,  71. 

Washington’s  Visit  to  Reading,  23. 

Water  Commissioners,  84,  289. 
Committee,  225. 

Company,  Reading,  20. 

Works,  37. 

Wajmesboro  Delegation,  258. 

W.  C.  T.  U.,  81. 

Weber  Hosiery  Factory,  141. 

Weber  Paper  Box  Factory,  113. 
Wednesday,  June  8th,  254. 

Weightman  Trunk  Factory,  205. 

Wertz  Cracker  Factory,  105. 

West  Reading  Boiler  Works,  176. 
Westney  Hat  Factory,  158. 

Wetherhold  Carriage  Factory,  127. 
Wetherhold  Hat  Factory,  156. 
Wheelwrights,  129. 

Wheels,  Manufacture  of,  129. 

Whitner,  C.  K.  & Co.,  Store,  146. 

Wilhelm  Paint  Works,  189. 

Wilktnsou  Shear  Co.,  178. 

Willson  Jewelry  Factory,  181. 

Willson  Spectacle  Factory,  202. 

Winter  & Goetz  Tannery,  184. 

Widows’  Home,  79. 

Woerner  Picture  Frame  Factory,  194. 
Woman’s  Committee,  225. 

Woman’s  Day,  Public  Rec  ption,  239. 
Wounberger’s  Book  Bindery,  112. 

Wooden  Boxes,  Manufacture  of,  1x4. 
Woolen  Goods,  Manufacture  of,  207. 
Wunder,  William  A , Fire  Apparatus,  150. 
Wuuder  Basket  Factory,  106. 

W.  & N R.  R.,  46. 

Y. 

Yeager  Cornice  Works,  188. 

Y.  M.  C.  A.,  80. 

Yocum  Bros.  Cigar  Factory,  135. 

Yocum  Flour  Mill,  150. 


#270 


I | g 'I  3 ' T'~4  I 5~  I 6l"T 7 I 8 I 9 I 10  I II  ~ I 12 


1748—1898  j 

SESQUI-CENTENNIAL  MAP 


READING  and  VICINITY 


Prepared  for  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Sesqui-Centennlal 
Celebration  of  Reading  by  Wm.  H.  Dechant,  C.  E. 


Public  Buildings. 

1.  City  Hall, 

2.  Court  House, 

3.  County  Prison, 

4.  Post  Office, 

5.  Sewage  Pumping  Staiion, 

6.  Sewage  Disposal  Plant, 

Market  Houses. 

7.  Chestnut  Street, 

8.  Fanners,  No.  1, 

9.  Farmers,  No.  2, 

10.  Farmers,  No.  3, 

11.  Fifth  Street, 

12.  North-East, 

13.  Potteiger, 

14.  South  Reading, 

15.  Tenth  and] Windsor, 

16.  West  Reading, 

Churches. 

BAPTIST. 


19.  Kbenezer, 

20.  First  United, 

21.  Friendship  Hope  Mission, 

22.  Grace  United, 

23.  Immanuel, 

24.  Salem, 

25.  St.  Matthew’s, 

26.  Trinity  United, 

FRIENDS. 

27.  Friends’  Meeting  House, 


15-M 

15-M 

17-M 

15-M 

15-O 

15-S 


16-M 

16-M 

15- K 

16- L 
14-M 


16-N 

I5-I, 

15-M 


28.  Temple  “ Oheb  Sholom,” 

29.  Shomro  Habrith, 


LUTHERAN. 

31.  Faith, 

32.  Grace, 

33.  Hope, 

34.  Peace, 

35.  St.  James, 

36.  St.  James’  Mission, 

37.  St.  John’s, 

3£.  St.  John’s  Chapel, 

M-  St.  Luke^,' 

40.  St.  Mark’s, 

41.  St.  Matthew’s, 

42.  Trinity, 

METHODIST  EPISCOPAL. 

43.  African  M.  E., 

44.  Covenant, 

45-  Fourth  Street, 

46.  Memorial, 

47.  Fifth  Street,. 

PRESBYTERIAN. 

48.  First, 

49.  Olivet, 

50.  Washington  Street, 

PROTESTA  NT  EPISCOPA 

51.  Christ  Cathedral, 

52.  St.  Barnabas, 

53-  St.  Duke’s, 

REFORMED. 

54-  Calvary, 

55.  Faith, 

56.  First, 

57.  Olivet, 

58.  Second, 

59.  St.  Andrew’s, 

60.  St.  James’, 

61.  St.  John’s, 

62.  St.  Mark’s, 

63.  St.  Paul’s, 

64.  St.  Stephen’s, 

65.  St.  Thomas’, 

66.  Zion’s, 


17-M 

13- K 

14- G 

15- N 

I2-Q 

15- L 
17-0 

16- J 
i5-I< 
I5-L 


16-L 

16-M 

I5-L 

15-N 


16- K 

17- J 
16-M 


Churches.— Continued. 


ROMAN  CATHOLIC. 

67. 

St.  Joseph’s, 

16-1 

68. 

St.  Mary’s, 

17-N 

69. 

St.  Paul’s, 

i6-l 

70. 

St.  Peter’s, 

14-N 

71- 

St.  Cecelia  Memorial, 

13-K 

194. 

House  of  Good  Shepherd, 

14-N 

UNITED  BRETHREN. 

72. 

Mennonite, 

16-j 

73- 

Otterbein, 

i6.l 

74- 

Salem, 

16-j 

75- 

Zion’s, 

16-M 

76. 

Church  of  Our  Father, 

(Universalist), 

14-M 

77- 

Mission  of  Hope, 

15-M 

Hospitals. 

79- 

Homoeopathic, 

15-L 

80. 

Reading, 

i ,13-1 

81. 

St.  Joseph’s, 

17-L 

Cemeteries. 

82. 

Aulenbach’s, 

20-N 

83.  ' 

Catholic, 

16-0 

S4. 

Charles  Evans, 

i4-h 

85.; 

Hebrew, 

16-0 

86.  j 

St.  John’s  Lutheran, 

17-0 

87. 

Trinity  Lutheran, 

17-0 

88. 

Alsace,  Reformed, 

i6-e 

Schools. 

89. 

Boys’  High, 

16-M 

90. 

Girls’  High, 

14-M 

91. 

Jesse  Orr, 

14-0 

92- 

Thomas  Severn, 

15-0 

93- 

Chestnut  Street, 

14-N 

94- 

Franklin  Street, 

i4-m 

95- 

George  Lerch, 

15-N 

96. 

J.  Hagenman, 

i6-m 

97- 

Bingaman  Street, 

16-N 

98. 

Ninth  and  Spruce, 

i6-n 

99- 

J.  S.  Richards, 

i7-n 

Samuel  Frees, 

17-0  • 

Perkiomen  Avenue, 

i8-n 

Seventeenth  and  Cotton, 

19-0 

104! 

Henry  S.  Eckert, 

i6-l 

105.  . 

A..  H.  Phillippi, 

16-1, 

106  Elm  Street, 

i6-l 

107.  Tenth  and  Green,  Nos.  1 & 2, 

16-K 

108.  Mulberry  Street, 

16-K 

109.  Twelfth  and  Buttonwood, 

17-L 

no.  Twelfth  and  Greenwich, 

17-K 

in.  Edwin  Ziegler, 

16-j 

1 12.  Marion  Street, 

wi 

1 13.  Spring  and  Moss  Streets, 

16-j 

1 14.  Tenth  and  Union  Streets, 

16-G 

1 15.  Twelfth  and  Windsor, 

17-j 

116.  J.  H.  Jacobs, 

14-G 

1 17.  C.  B.  McKnight, 

J5-J 

1 1 8.  Lewis  Briner, 

14-L 

1 19.  Spring  Street, 

15 -I 

120.  Washington  Street, 

14-L 

12 1.  Ricktown, 

13-L 

122.  Bechtel  town, 

14-K 

123.  Schuylkill  Avenue,  Nos.  1 & 2, 

13-K 

124.  St.  Peter’s  Parochial, 

15-N 

193.  y 

it.  Michael’s  Seminary, 

1?-G 

125.  Brunner’s  Business  College, 

14-M 

126.  Inter-state  Commercial  College, 

15-M 

Fire  Companies. 

127.  Friendship, 

16-M 

128.  Hampden, 

17-K 

129.  j 

unior, 

15-L 

130.  ] 

iCeystone  Hook  and  Ladder, 

14-M 

r3i.  ] 

liberty, 

14-O 

132.  1 

vlarion, 

16-I 

Fire  Companies. — Continue 

133.  Neversink, 

134.  Rainbow,  1 

135.  Reading  Hose, 

136.  Riverside, 

137.  Schuylkill,  ^ 

138.  Washington  Hook  and  Ladder, 

Halls. 

139.  Academy  of  Music, 

140.  Auditorium, 

141.  Masonic  Temple, 

16.  Grand  Opera  House, 

142.  Gilder’s  Auditorium, 

7.  Excelsior, 

143.  Library, 

144.  Rajah  Temple, 

78.  Young  Men’s  Christian  Assoc’n 

145.  Railroaders’  Y.  M.  C.  A., 


Hotels. 


146.  Allen  House, 

147.  American  House, 

148.  Berks  County  House, 

149.  Black  Bear  Inn, 

150.  Grand  Central, 

151.  Centennial  Springs, 

152.  City, 

142.  Crystal  Palace, 

153.  Dengler’s, 

154.  Farmers’, 

155.  Highland  House, 

156.  Hotel  Penn, 

157.  Kurtz  House, 

158.  Mansion  House, 

159.  Merchants’, 

160.  Continental, 

1 61.  Mineral  Spring, 

162.  Neversink  Mountain, 

163.  Reading  House, 

164.  Riverside, 

165.  Summit, 

166.  Three  Mile  House, 

167.  Union, 

168.  United  States, 

169.  Woodvale  Inn, 


170.  Penna.  Schuylkill  Valley, 

1 7 1.  Philadelphia  & Reading,- 

172.  Franklin  Street,  (P.  &R.), 

173.  Wilmington  & Northern1, 

174.  W.  & N.,  foot  of  Sixth  fetreet, 


Freight  Statioiii 

175.  Penna.  Schuylkill  Valle] 

176.  Philadelphia  & Reading, 

177.  P.  & R.,  Spruce  Street, 

178.  Wilmington  & Northern 


Parks. 

179.  Carsonia, 

186.  Klapperthal, 

1 8 r . Mineral  Spring, 

182.  Penn’s  Common, 

183,  Wildwood, 


84.  Angelica  Water  Co., 

85.  Autietam, 

86.  Bernbart, 

87.  Buttonwood, 

88.  Egelman, 

89.  Hampden, 

90.  Penn  Street, 

91.  Philadelphia  & Reading, 

92.  West  Reading, 


14- M 
16-M 

15- M 
14-G 
13-K 

16- N 


15-1/ 

15-M 

15-L 

14- M 

15- M 

16- N 

14- M 

15- M 

15- M 

16- K 


15-M 

14- M 

15- M 
23-O 

14- M 
ai-Q 

15- M 
15-M 
21-O 

14- I. 
17-P 

15- M 

I2"Q 

15- M 

14- M 

1 6- 1, 

20-N 

20- P 

15- K 
14-G 

I9-K 
7-S 
16  M 
14-M 

21- 0 


I3-M 

I5-K 

15-M 

I3-M 

15-0 


14- 0 

15- L 
I3-N 
13-M 


23-M 

2I-R 

20-M 

17-M 

23"J 


14- R 
25-H 

19- C 
18-I 

20- 1, 
1 8-1, 
17-M 

15- G 

1 2-M 


t'STSt’TT 


Nou-oa-noo  aooiv3N3D 


ONroON3nvV3NAVMmoj 

Aavaan  onana